Yes, the Title of today’s Lesson is “Paul on fire!”

That thought is based on a line from 2nd Corinthians 11:29. Which is Holy Spirit inspired Scripture, I might add! Still part of Paul’s “Hardships List,” he continues by surprisingly asking: “Who is offended, and I burn not?”

Two verbs in seven words!

“Is offended” translates “skandalizo,” which means “to cause someone to stumble.” It’s our very word “scandal.” The Greek noun “skandalon” is 3 times expressed as “stumbling block” in the New Testament, King James Version. And “offense” 9 times.

Paul obviously tried exceedingly hard to keep his little converts to Christ … protected and encouraged … and “on the path” to spiritual maturity!

He did not want them “tripped up” on the journey, “offended.”

But things like this did happen, careless people putting “stumbling blocks” in front of eager learners, unsuspecting “babes” in Christ.

The false teachers who had infiltrated the Corinthian Church (the addressees of this letter, 2nd Corinthians) were especially adept at … causing these innocents to fall by the wayside.

So did a lot of “arguing” and “dissension” in the Churches!

Or “questionable” behavior!

Here’s Paul, with an example: “It is good neither to eat flesh (originally offered to idols), nor to drink wine (hurting one’s body, the Temple of the Holy Spirit), nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or IS OFFENDED (skandalizo), or is made weak.” Romans 14:21

Paul made this kind of sensitive living a “conviction” in his life.

Never (knowingly) hurting others, brothers and sisters in Christ!

And if someone did carelessly “offend” such a child of God …

Paul “burned,” the second verb in today’s Text.

The word is “puroo,” literally, “to be set on fire!”

Paul got “hot!”

Upset.

In a righteous sense, angry!

He would vigorously defend “offended” children of God!

He would oppose spiritual “bullies!”

“Who is offended, and I burn not?”

But I must now say this. The Apostle is not advocating someone being “thin-skinned,” being “hurt” at every little thing that happens in his or her life.

We must also (eventually) learn to be “tough” in our faith.

But at the same time (“balance,” it’s called) we must be “sensitive” to NOT HURTING others who are legitimately weak in their faith.

Yes, God has (in many Assemblies, many Churches) a godly overseer, a Pastor, in place … who will (among other things) protect and defend the little members of the flock!

Jesus adds to our discussion now. “Whosoever SHALL OFFEND one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.” Mark 9:42, Wow!

Let’s treat one another (my fellow Believers) “tenderly, kindly, with love,” not causing anyone to stumble, certainly not deliberately so. Paul once more: “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32

Does it “bother” you … when people are “hurt” and thus their Christian progress is blunted?

Maybe it should!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell