Then said he unto the disciples,
It is impossible but that temptations to sin will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come!
All Commentaries on Luke 17:1 Go To Luke 17
Bede
AD 735
This is spoken according to the custom of the province of Palestine; for among the ancient Jews the punishment of those who were guilty of the greater crimes was that they should be sunk into the deep with a stone tied to them ; and in truth it were better for a guilty man to finish his bodily life by a punishment however barbarous, yet temporal, than for his innocent brother to deserve the eternal death of his soul. Now he who can be offended is rightly called a little one; for he who is great, whatsoever he is witness of; and how greatsoever his sufferings, swerves not from the faith. As far then as we can without sin, we ought to avoid giving offense to our neighbors. But if an offense is taken at the truth, it is better tolet the offense be, than that truth should be abandoned.
