Why? Because they did not strive for it by faith, but as being by works. For they stumbled against the stone of stumbling;

and "a stone of stumbling, and a rock to strike against;" even to those who stumble, being disobedient to the word; to which they were also appointed.

and blessed is he, whoever shall find no occasion of stumbling in me.

and blessed is he, whoever shall find no occasion of stumbling in me.

as it is written, "Behold, I lay in Zion a stone of stumbling and rock of offence; and he that believeth in him shall not be put to shame."

Give no occasion of stumbling either to Jews or Greeks, or to the church of God;

giving no occasion for stumbling in anything, that the ministry may not be blamed;

He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is no occasion of stumbling in him;

Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is in danger of stumbling, and I do not burn?

I say then, Did they stumble in order to fall? God forbid! But by their offence salvation is come to the gentiles to excite them to emulation.