and, "A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense." For they stumble at the word, being disobedient, whereunto also they were appointed.
and a rock of offence: The "rock of offence" (skandalon) suggests the utter ruin that overtakes those who choose not to believe. He is either the rock of our salvation or the stone of our breaking; a blessing or an offense (Matthew 16:23). He will be nothing more or nothing less.