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NASB | Matthew 18:6 but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone hung around his neck, and to be drowned in the depth of the sea. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Matthew 18:6 but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble and sin [by leading him away from My teaching], it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone [as large as one turned by a donkey] hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea. [Mark 9:42; Luke 17:2] |
Subject: Do all little ones believe? |
Bible Note: Dear Cyclist, Greetings in the name of Jesus! Every commentary I have at my disposal identifies the 'little ones' in Matthew 18:6 as disciples of Christ, humble and modest, meek and lowly. This is where I get the idea of 'dependent' on God the Father and Christ the Savior as a child is dependent on his parents. The context of the following verses speaks of 'sheep' and the 'stumbling blocks in life' and 'discipline among the brethren.' Therefore, these same commentators believe that the 'little ones' continues to be the followers of Christ. Some 'public' denominational teachings and authors of Sunday School material like to say that Matthew 18:10 is speaking of 'personal, guardian angels' assigned to each and every child. However, most scholars ('internal' denominational teaching?) agree that indeed the 'little ones' in all of Matthew 18 are faithful Christians. Without meaning to be crude, I must say that if every child has a 'guardian angel,' then these angels are not very effective in keeping all children from sin or from falling into satan's clutches. :-( To many readers, this may 'pop their bubble' about these verses. I'm truly sorry. But the truth about children should encourage us all the more to bring them up in Christ Jesus, honoring the faith and discipline of their parents. Just one man's opinion... In Christ Jesus, charis |