Matthew 18:6

Matthew 18:6. Cause to offend, or ‘stumble.' By pride, to cause others to fall into unbelief (the opposite of ‘receiving'); not a mere wounding of over sensitive feelings, or offending a morbid and incorrect sense of right. Such an application would destroy all right as well as all hope. A warning in regard to our treatment of humble Christians, especially of Christian children.

One of these little ones which believe in me. The weak, unpretending, outwardly insignificant, the children, the poor, the ignorant, and the weak-minded are all included. Only he who feeds the lambs can feed the sheep (John 20:15).

It is profitable for him that (to this end). This would be the purpose subserved by such conduct.

A great millstone. The large stone used in a mill driven by asses.

He be sunk in the depth of the sea. Capital punishment by drowning was common among the Greeks and Romans, probably not among the Jews. The profit of dominating over the conscience, is a burden about the neck of the offender which involves his destruction. A warning both to individual and ecclesiastical bodies. The principle proved true in the case of the Jewish hierarchy.