Romans 9:33
as it is written: "See, I lay in Zion a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense; and the one who believes in Him will never be put to shame."
as it is written
This phrase indicates that Paul is referencing the Old Testament, grounding his argument in the Hebrew Scriptures. The use of "as it is written" underscores the continuity and fulfillment of prophecy in the New Testament. It reflects the Jewish tradition of scriptural authority and highlights the importance of the Old Testament in understanding the New Testament message.

See, I lay in Zion
"Zion" refers to Jerusalem, the city of God, and by extension, the people of Israel. The phrase "I lay" suggests divine initiative and purpose. God is actively placing something significant in Zion, which is central to His redemptive plan. Historically, Zion is the spiritual and political heart of Israel, symbolizing God's presence and covenant with His people.

a stone of stumbling
The "stone" is a metaphor for Jesus Christ, who is both foundational and divisive. In Greek, the word for "stumbling" (πρόσκομμα, proskomma) implies an obstacle that causes one to trip. This imagery reflects how Jesus, while being the cornerstone of faith, also becomes a point of contention and rejection for those who do not believe. The stone is a test of faith and obedience.

and a rock of offense
The "rock" (πέτρα, petra) signifies strength and permanence, yet it is also a "rock of offense" (σκάνδαλον, skandalon), meaning a cause for scandal or stumbling. This duality illustrates the paradox of Christ's role: He is the foundation for believers but a challenge to those who reject Him. Historically, Jesus' teachings and claims were offensive to many in His time, leading to His crucifixion.

and the one who believes in Him
Belief in "Him" (Jesus) is the central tenet of Christian faith. The Greek word for "believes" (πιστεύων, pisteuōn) implies trust and reliance, not just intellectual assent. This belief is transformative, leading to salvation and a new identity in Christ. It is a personal and communal act, uniting believers across time and space.

will never be put to shame
The promise of never being "put to shame" (καταισχυνθήσεται, kataischynthēsetai) is a powerful assurance of honor and vindication. In a historical context, shame was a significant social and personal consequence. This phrase assures believers that their faith in Christ will ultimately lead to honor and glory, both in this life and the life to come. It reflects the hope and confidence that come from a relationship with Jesus, transcending earthly trials and tribulations.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Zion
A term often used to refer to Jerusalem, the city of God, and by extension, the people of God. It is a central place in biblical prophecy and theology.

2. Stone of Stumbling
This refers to Jesus Christ, who is both a cornerstone for believers and a stumbling block for those who reject Him.

3. Rock of Offense
Another reference to Jesus, emphasizing that His message and person can be a source of offense to those who do not believe.

4. Paul the Apostle
The author of the Book of Romans, who is addressing the tension between Jewish and Gentile believers in the early church.

5. Isaiah the Prophet
The original source of the prophecy quoted by Paul, found in Isaiah 8:14 and 28:16, which speaks of the Messiah as both a foundation and a stumbling block.
Teaching Points
The Dual Nature of Christ
Jesus is both a cornerstone and a stumbling block. For believers, He is the foundation of faith; for non-believers, He is a challenge to their unbelief.

Faith and Assurance
Belief in Christ assures us that we will never be put to shame. This is a promise of eternal security and vindication.

The Importance of Prophecy
Understanding Old Testament prophecies enriches our comprehension of the New Testament and God's redemptive plan.

The Offense of the Gospel
The message of Christ can be offensive to those who are self-reliant or who reject divine authority. We must be prepared for opposition.

Living as a Witness
As believers, we are called to live in a way that reflects Christ as our cornerstone, demonstrating His love and truth to others.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding Jesus as both a cornerstone and a stumbling block affect your view of His role in your life?

2. In what ways can believers ensure they are building their lives on the cornerstone of Christ?

3. How can the assurance that believers "will never be put to shame" impact your daily walk with Christ?

4. What are some practical ways to respond when the message of the Gospel is offensive to those around you?

5. How can studying Old Testament prophecies enhance your understanding of the New Testament and your faith journey?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 8:14 and 28:16
These Old Testament prophecies are directly quoted in Romans 9:33, highlighting the dual role of the Messiah as both a cornerstone and a stumbling block.

1 Peter 2:6-8
Peter also references these prophecies, emphasizing the importance of belief in Christ and the consequences of disbelief.

Matthew 21:42-44
Jesus Himself refers to the stone the builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone, illustrating His role in God's plan.
Either an Offence or a RefugeS.R. Aldridge Romans 9:33
Jesus as the Stumbling-StoneC.H. Irwin Romans 9:33
Vessels of Wrath and Vessels of MercyR.M. Edgar Romans 9:19-33
A Great ReversalProf. Thomson.Romans 9:25-33
A People Who Were no PeopleC. H. Spurgeon.Romans 9:25-33
God's Judgments AreJ. Lyth, D. D.Romans 9:25-33
Hope for the OutcastsJ. Lyth, D.D.Romans 9:25-33
JudgmentJ. Lyth, D.D.Romans 9:25-33
Some Points in the Divine ProcedureJ. W. Burn.Romans 9:25-33
The Calling of the GentilesJ. Lyth, D.D.Romans 9:25-33
The Character and Privileges of the SaintsJ. W Burn.Romans 9:25-33
The Divine ConsideratenessJ. W. Burn.Romans 9:25-33
The Example of Israel a Warning to the WorldJ. Lyth, D.D.Romans 9:25-33
The Lord of SabaothM. Thomson.Romans 9:25-33
The Rejection of the JewsJ. Lyth, D.D.Romans 9:25-33
The Remnant SavedB. Beddome, M.A.Romans 9:25-33
The Sovereignty of GodJ. J. S. Bird, M.A.Romans 9:25-33
A Common Stumbling BlockRomans 9:30-33
A Reliable SalvationT. De Witt Talmage.Romans 9:30-33
Christ a Stumbling Stone and Rock of CollisionJ. Morison, D.D.Romans 9:30-33
Christ Rejected by Jews and Accepted by GentilesC. Simeon, M.A.Romans 9:30-33
No Righteousness by the LawJ. Lyth, D.D.Romans 9:30-33
S.S.: or the Sinner SavedC. H. Spurgeon.Romans 9:30-33
Seeking After RighteousnessH. W. Beecher.Romans 9:30-33
The Divine Method of SalvationJ. Lyth, D.D.Romans 9:30-33
The Folly of Rejecting the GospelH. W. Beecher.Romans 9:30-33
The Gospel for the GentilesJ. Lyth, D.D.Romans 9:30-33
The Reasonableness of God's WorkingT. F. Lockyer, B.A.Romans 9:30-33
The Reasonableness of God's WorkingT.F. Lockyer Romans 9:30-33
The Righteousness of the GospelJ. Lyth, D.D.Romans 9:30-33
The Unsuccessful SeekerJ. Lyth, D.D., Prof. Beet., C. H. Irwin, M.A.Romans 9:30-33
Un-Believers Stumbling; Believers RejoicingC. H. Spurgeon.Romans 9:30-33
People
Esaias, Esau, Hosea, Isaac, Isaiah, Israelites, Jacob, Osee, Paul, Pharaoh, Rebekah, Romans, Sarah
Places
Gomorrah, Rome, Sodom, Zion
Topics
Agreement, Ashamed, Behold, Believes, Believeth, Believing, Causes, Causing, Disappointed, Faith, Fall, Feel, Lay, Laying, Makes, Mount, Offence, Offense, Placing, Putting, Reason, Rests, Rock, Scripture, Shame, Sion, Statement, Stone, Stumble, Stumbling, Stumblingstone, Stumbling-stone, Thereon, Trip, Trusts, Written, Yet, Zion
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Romans 9:33

     2018   Christ, divinity
     4354   rock
     4366   stones
     5269   cornerstone
     5290   defeat
     5947   shame
     6231   rejection of God
     7271   Zion, as symbol

Romans 9:32-33

     1240   God, the Rock

Library
April 1. "Vessels of Mercy which He had Afore Prepared unto Glory" (Rom. Ix. 23).
"Vessels of mercy which he had afore prepared unto glory" (Rom. ix. 23). Our Father is fitting us for eternity. A vessel fitted for the kitchen will find itself in the kitchen. A vessel for the art gallery or the reception room will generally find itself there at last. What are you getting fitted for? To be a slop-pail to hold all the stuff that people pour into your ears, or a vase to hold sweet fragrance and flowers for the King's palace and a harp of many strings that sounds the melodies and harmonies
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

Jacob and Esau
Now, it is one thing to refute another man's doctrine, but a very different matter to establish my own views. It is very easy to knock over one man's hypothesis concerning these truths, not quite so easy to make my own stand on a firm footing. I shall try to-night, if I can, to go safely, if I do not go very fast; for I shall endeavour to keep simply to the letter of God's Word. I think that if we kept more simply to the teachings of the Bible, we should be wiser than we are; for by turning from
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 5: 1859

God's Will and Man's Will
The great controversy which for many ages has divided the Christian Church has hinged upon the difficult question of "the will." I need not say of that conflict that it has done much mischief to the Christian Church, undoubtedly it has; but I will rather say, that it has been fraught with incalculable usefulness; for it has thrust forward before the minds of Christians, precious truths, which but for it, might have been kept in the shade. I believe that the two great doctrines of human responsibility
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 8: 1863

Of Predestination
Eph. i. 11.--"In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will."--Rom. ix. 22, 23.--"What if God, willing to show his wrath and to make his power known, endured with much long-suffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction, and that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy which he had afore prepared unto glory." In the creation of the world, it pleased the Lord,
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

That a Man Ought not to Reckon Himself Worthy of Consolation, but More Worthy of Chastisement
O Lord, I am not worthy of Thy consolation, nor of any spiritual visitation; and therefore Thou dealest justly with me, when Thou leavest me poor and desolate. For if I were able to pour forth tears like the sea, still should I not be worthy of Thy consolation. Therefore am I nothing worthy save to be scourged and punished, because I have grievously and many a time offended Thee, and in many things have greatly sinned. Therefore, true account being taken, I am not worthy even of the least of Thy
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

The Coming of the Called.
"That the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of Him that calleth."--Rom. ix. 11. The question is, whether the elect cooperate in the call. We say, Yes; for the call is no call, in the fullest sense of the word, unless the called one can hear and hears so distinctly that it impresses him, causes him to rise and to obey God. For this reason our fathers, for the sake of clearness, used to distinguish between the ordinary call and the effectual call. God's call does not
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

The Love which Withers.
"Therefore hath He mercy on whom He will have mercy, and whom He will He hardeneth."--Rom. ix. 18. The idea of hardening is so awful that, with all its unsanctified pity and natural religion, the human heart rejects it as a horrible thought. Natural compassion can not bear the idea that a fellow man, instigated to evil by it, should forever ruin himself. And natural religion can not conceive of a God who, instead of persuading His creature to virtue, should give him up and incite him to sin. This
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

It is Also Written, "But I Say unto You...
28. It is also written, "But I say unto you, Swear not at all." But the Apostle himself has used oaths in his Epistles. [2342] And so he shows how that is to be taken which is said, "I say unto you, Swear not at all:" that is, lest by swearing one come to a facility in swearing, from facility to a custom, and so from a custom there be a downfall into perjury. And therefore he is not found to have sworn except in writing, where there is more wary forethought, and no precipitate tongue withal. And
St. Augustine—On Lying

Flee Away, My Beloved, and be Thou Like to a Roe or to a Young Hart Upon the Mountains of Spices.
The soul having now no other interest than that of the Bridegroom, either for self or for any other creature, and who can will nothing except His glory, seeing something which dishonors Him, cries out, Flee away, my Beloved! Leave these places which offer Thee no perfume. Come to those souls who are as mountains of spices, raised above the fetid vapors corrupted by the wickedness of this world. These mountains owe their sweetness to the odor of the exquisite virtues which Thou hast planted in them,
Madame Guyon—Song of Songs of Solomon

Messiah's Innocence vindicated
He was taken from prison and from judgment, and who shall declare his generation? For he was cut off out of the land of the living; for the transgression of my people was he stricken. L et not plain Christians be stumbled because there are difficulties in the prophetical parts of the Scriptures, and because translators and expositors sometimes explain them with some difference, as to the sense. Whatever directly relates to our faith, practice, and comfort, may be plainly collected from innumerable
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

Consecration to God --Illustrated by Abraham's Circumcision
Let me remind you of the order in which these blessings come. If we should speak of sanctification or consecration, it is not as a first thing, but as an elevation to be reached only by preceding stepping-stones. In vain do men pretend to be consecrated to God before they are called of God's Spirit; such have yet to be taught that no strength of nature can suffice to serve the Lord aright. They must learn what this meaneth, "Ye must be born again," for assuredly until men are brought into spiritual
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 14: 1868

Concerning God's Purpose
1. God's purpose is the cause of salvation. THE third and last thing in the text, which I shall but briefly glance at, is the ground and origin of our effectual calling, in these words, "according to his purpose" (Eph. i. 11). Anselm renders it, According to his good will. Peter Martyr reads it, According to His decree. This purpose, or decree of God, is the fountainhead of our spiritual blessings. It is the impulsive cause of our vocation, justification, glorification. It is the highest link in
Thomas Watson—A Divine Cordial

Letter Lxxxv. To Paulinus.
Paulinus had asked Jerome two questions, (1) how can certain passages of scripture (Exod. vii. 13; Rom. ix. 16) be reconciled with Free Will? and (2) Why are the children of believers said to be holy (1 Cor. vii. 14) apart from baptismal grace? For the first of these questions Jerome refers Paulinus to his version (newly made) of Origen's treatise, On First Principles. For the second he quotes the explanation of Tertullian. Written in 400 a.d. 1. Your words urge me to write to you but your eloquence
St. Jerome—The Principal Works of St. Jerome

God's Sovereignty Defined
"Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is Thine; Thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and Thou art exalted as Head above all" (1 Chron. 29:11). The Sovereignty of God is an expression that once was generally understood. It was a phrase commonly used in religious literature. It was a theme frequently expounded in the pulpit. It was a truth which brought comfort to many hearts, and gave virility and stability
Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God

Bunyan's Last Sermon --Preached July 1688.
"Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God;" John i. 13. The words have a dependence on what goes before, and therefore I must direct you to them for the right understanding of it. You have it thus,--"He came to his own, but his own received him not; but as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them which believe on his name; which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, but of God." In
by John Bunyan—Miscellaneous Pieces

Whence Also the Just of Old, Before the Incarnation of the Word...
18. Whence also the just of old, before the Incarnation of the Word, in this faith of Christ, and in this true righteousness, (which thing Christ is unto us,) were justified; believing this to come which we believe come: and they themselves by grace were saved through faith, not of themselves, but by the gift of God, not of works, lest haply they should be lifted up. [2679] For their good works did not come before God's mercy, but followed it. For to them was it said, and by them written, long ere
St. Augustine—On Patience

The Sum and Substance of all Theology
Note: On Tuesday, June 25th, 1861, the beloved C. H. Spurgeon visited Swansea. The day was wet, so the services could not be held in the open-air; and, as no building in the town was large enough to hold the vast concourses of people who had come from all parts to hear the renowned preacher, he consented to deliver two discourses in the morning; first at Bethesda, and then at Trinity Chapel. At each place he preached for an hour and a quarter. The weather cleared up during the day; so, in the evening,
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 62: 1916

The Strait Gate. Warned against Herod.
(Peræa.) ^C Luke XIII. 22-35. ^c 22 And he went on his way through cities and villages, teaching, and journeying on unto Jerusalem. [This verse probably refers back to verse 10, and indicates that Jesus resumed his journey after the brief rest on the Sabbath day when he healed the woman with the curvature of the spine.] 23 And one said unto him, Lord, are they few that are saved? [It is likely that this question was asked by a Jew, and that the two parables illustrating the smallness of the
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Now Follows the Practice of Piety in Dying for the Lord.
The practice of piety in dying for the Lord is termed Martyrdom. Martyrdom is the testimony which a Christian bears to the doctrine of the Gospel by enduring any kind of death; to invite many, and to confirm all, to embrace the truth thereof. To this kind of death Christ hath promised a crown: "Be thou faithful unto the death, and I will give thee the crown of life." Which promise the Church so firmly believed, that they termed martyrdom itself a crown. And God, to animate Christians to this excellent
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Adoption
'As many as received him to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.' John 1:12. Having spoken of the great points of faith and justification, we come next to adoption. The qualification of the persons is, As many as received him.' Receiving is put for believing, as is clear by the last words, to them that believe in his name.' The specification of the privilege is, to them gave he power to become the sons of God.' The Greek word for power, exousia, signifies
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Letter xix (A. D. 1127) to Suger, Abbot of S. Denis
To Suger, Abbot of S. Denis He praises Suger, who had unexpectedly renounced the pride and luxury of the world to give himself to the modest habits of the religious life. He blames severely the clerk who devotes himself rather to the service of princes than that of God. 1. A piece of good news has reached our district; it cannot fail to do great good to whomsoever it shall have come. For who that fear God, hearing what great things He has done for your soul, do not rejoice and wonder at the great
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

Baptism
Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them,' &c. Matt 28: 19. I. The way whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of redemptions, is, in the use of the sacraments. What are the sacraments in general? They are visible signs of invisible grace. Is not the word of God sufficient to salvation? What need then is there of sacraments? We must not be wise above what is written. It is God's will that his church
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
Preached August 19TH, 1688 [ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR] This sermon, although very short, is peculiarly interesting: how it was preserved we are not told; but it bears strong marks of having been published from notes taken by one of the hearers. There is no proof that any memorandum or notes of this sermon was found in the autograph of the preacher. In the list of Bunyan's works published by Chas. Doe, at the end of the 'Heavenly Footman,' March 1690, it stands No. 44. He professes to give the title-page,
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Reprobation Asserted: Or, the Doctrine of Eternal Election and Reprobation Promiscuously Handled, in Eleven Chapters.
WHEREIN THE MOST MATERIAL OBJECTIONS MADE BY THE OPPOSERS OF THIS DOCTRINE, ARE FULLY ANSWERED; SEVERAL DOUBTS REMOVED, AND SUNDRY CASES OF CONSCIENCE RESOLVED. BY JOHN BUNYAN OF BEDFORD, A LOVER OF PEACE AND TRUTH. 'What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded.'--Romans 11:7 London: Printed for G. L., and are to be sold in Turn-stile-alley, in Holbourn. Small 4to, 44 pages. EDITOR'S ADVERTISEMENT. This valuable tract
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

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