The Offense of the Cross in Scripture and Theology
The "offense of the cross" refers to the concept that the message of salvation through a crucified Messiah was, and often remains, a stumbling block or cause of offense to many [2]. The Greek word skandalon, translated as "offense," denotes something at which one stumbles or takes offense [2]. This offense is primarily rooted in the idea that salvation comes through Christ's crucifixion, which was seen as foolishness by some and a scandal by others [4, 8].
The cross itself was an instrument of torture and execution, specifically a Roman method [1, 6]. Historically, there were several forms of crosses, with the crux immissa (Latin cross) being the most common type used for crucifixion [1]. To bear one's cross, in a broader sense, means to endure severe affliction or trial [1]. Jesus himself spoke of taking up one's cross as loving him above all else and being willing to follow him regardless of physical or social consequences [6]. This imagery of suffering is also present in the exhortation for Christians to conduct themselves appropriately "under the cross," enduring trials and afflictions [9].
The New Testament frequently uses "the cross" to refer not just to the physical instrument but to the crucifixion of Christ itself and the theological implications of his atoning death [1]. Paul explicitly states, "For the word of the cross is to them that perish, foolishness; but unto us, which are saved, it is the power of God" (1 Corinthians 1:18 Geneva 1599) [4]. John Chrysostom, an early Church Father, elaborates on this, noting that "the word of the cross" is foolishness to those who are perishing, comparing them to the sick who find even wholesome things unpleasant [8].
The offense of the cross was particularly acute for the Jews, as salvation through a crucified Messiah challenged their national pride and expectations [2]. The idea of a suffering Messiah was a stumbling block, as their understanding of the Messiah often focused on a conquering king rather than one who would die a criminal's death [2, 10]. Paul highlights this in Galatians 5:11, referring to "the offence of the cross" [2]. The righteousness of faith, which is central to the message of the cross, was also a point of offense (Romans 9:32) [3].
Beyond the initial historical context, the offense of the cross can manifest in various ways. People might take offense at Christ's humble station (Isaiah 53:1-3; Matthew 13:54-57) or at Christ as the "corner-stone" (Isaiah 8:14; Romans 9:33; 1 Peter 2:8) [3]. The necessity of inward purity (Matthew 15:11-12) and the concept of Christ as the "bread of life" (John 6:58-61) have also been sources of offense [3].
The cross represents the means by which God "wiped out the handwriting in ordinances which was against us," nailing it to the cross (Colossians 2:14) [5]. This act of reconciliation and atonement, achieved through Christ's suffering and death, is the core message that some find offensive [7]. John Gill, a Baptist commentator, explains that "the preaching of the cross" refers to "the doctrine of salvation by a crucified Christ; or the doctrine of peace and reconciliation by the blood of his cross, and of righteousness, pardon, atonement, and satisfaction by the offering up of himself upon" it [7]. The offense, therefore, is not merely at the historical event but at the theological implications of a divine savior undergoing such a humiliating death for the salvation of humanity.
Sources
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Cross — In the New Testament the instrument of crucifixion, and hence used for the crucifixion of Christ itself (Eph. 2:16; Heb. 12:2; 1 Cor. 1:17, 18; Gal. 5:11; 6:12, 14; Phil. 3:18). The word is also used to denote any severe affliction or trial (Matt. 10:38; 16:24; Mark 8:34; 10:21). The forms in which the cross is represented are these: 1. The crux simplex (I), a "single piece without transom." 2. The crux decussata (X), or St. Andrew's cross. 3. The crux commissa (T), or St. Anthony's cross. 4. The crux immissa (t), or Latin cross, which was the kind of cross o”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Offence — (1.) An injury or wrong done to one (1 Sam. 25:31; Rom. 5:15). (2.) A stumbling-block or cause of temptation (Isa. 8:14; Matt. 16:23; 18:7). Greek skandalon, properly that at which one stumbles or takes offence. The "offence of the cross" (Gal. 5:11) is the offence the Jews took at the teaching that salvation was by the crucified One, and by him alone. Salvation by the cross was a stumbling-block to their national pride.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Offence — Occasions of, must arrive -- Mt 18:7. Occasions of, forbidden -- 1Co 10:32; 2Co 6:3. Persecution, a cause of, to mere professors -- Mt 13:21; 24:10; 26:31. The wicked take, at The low station of Christ. -- Isa 53:1-3; Mt 13:54-57. Christ, as the corner-stone. -- Isa 8:14; Ro 9:33; 1Pe 2:8. Christ, as the bread of life. -- Joh 6:58-61. Christ crucified. -- 1Co 1:23; Ga 5:11. The righteousness of faith. -- Ro 9:32. The necessity of inward purity. -- Mt 15:11,12. Blessedness of not taking, at Christ -- Mt 11:6. Saints warned against taking -- Joh 16:1. Saints ”
- I Corinthians “I Corinthians 1:18 (Geneva1599) — For that preaching of the crosse is to them that perish, foolishnesse: but vnto vs, which are saued, it is the power of God.”
- Colossians “wiping out the handwriting in ordinances which was against us; and he has taken it out of the way, nailing it to the cross; -- Colossians 2:14”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 10:37: 10:37-39 The cross was a Roman instrument of torture and execution (27:27-55). To take up your cross and follow Jesus involves loving him above all other things and being willing to follow him regardless of the physical or social consequences.”
- 1 Corinthians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Corinthians 1:18: For the preaching of the cross,.... Not of the Christian's cross, which he is to take up and bear for the sake of Christ; though this is a doctrine taught by Christ, and his apostles, and found to be true by the saints in all ages; and is what is had in great aversion and contempt, being very disagreeable to the natural man: but of the cross of Christ, the doctrine of salvation by a crucified Christ; or the doctrine of peace and reconciliation by the blood of his cross, and of righteousness, pardon, atonement, and satisfaction by the offering up of himself upon”
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on 1 & 2 Corinthians: 16 Homily IV. 1 Cor. i. 18–20 For the word of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but to us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the prudence of the prudent will I reject. Where is the Wise? Where is the Scribe? Where is the Disputer of the World? To the sick and gasping even wholesome meats are unpleasant, friends and relations burdensome; who are often times not even recognized, but are rather accounted intruders. Much like this often is the case of those who are perishi”
- James (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on James 1 (introduction): After the inscription and salutation (Jam 1:1) Christians are taught how to conduct themselves when under the cross. Several graces and duties are recommended; and those who endure their trials and afflictions as the apostle here directs are pronounced blessed and are assured of a glorious reward (Jam 1:2-12). But those sins which bring sufferings, or the weakness and faults men are chargeable with under them, are by no means to be imputed to God, who cannot be the author of sin, but is the author of all good (Jam 1:13-18). All passion, and rash anger, ”
- Matthew (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Matthew 26:53: But how then shall the Scriptures be fulfilled,.... That is, should Christ make such a request to his Father, and he should grant it, and an host of angels should be sent to rescue him, and he should be rescued by them; how then should the Scriptures, which speak of Christ's being taken, and led as a lamb to the slaughter, and of his various sufferings, and the circumstances of them, have their accomplishment? "declaring", as the Arabic version supplies, or as the Ethiopic version, "which say", that thus it must be; that the Messiah must be apprehended, and suffer”