Romans 9:32 – “Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone.”

Extended Explanation

This verse answers the question from the previous verse: Why didn’t Israel attain righteousness, even though they were actively pursuing it? The answer is simple—they pursued righteousness through works instead of faith.

Paul explains that Israel made a critical mistake:

• They believed that righteousness could be earned by following the law.
• They failed to trust in God’s grace and instead tried to reach Him through their own efforts.
• As a result, they stumbled over the very thing that could save them—Jesus Christ.

The phrase “stumbling stone” refers to Jesus. Many Israelites could not accept that righteousness comes by faith in Him rather than by keeping the law. Instead of embracing Christ, they rejected Him, which became their downfall.

Paul is making it clear: righteousness before God is not achieved by working harder, being more religious, or following rules. It is only received by trusting in Jesus.

Historical Context

The Jewish people were deeply committed to obeying the Law of Moses. For generations, they had been taught that keeping God’s commandments was the key to righteousness. This was part of their identity as God’s chosen people.

However, when Jesus came, He challenged this mindset by teaching that righteousness comes through faith, not through religious effort. This was difficult for many Jews to accept. Instead of seeing Jesus as the fulfillment of the law, they viewed Him as a threat to their religious traditions.

The idea of a “stumbling stone” comes from the Old Testament. Isaiah 8:14-15 describes how some would trip over God’s chosen one rather than trust in Him. Paul uses this imagery to show that Israel’s rejection of Jesus was predicted long ago.

This verse explains why many Gentiles were receiving salvation while many Jews were rejecting it—the Gentiles accepted Christ by faith, while the Jews tried to earn righteousness through works and refused to trust Jesus.

Theological Implications

This verse highlights three major spiritual truths:

1. Faith, Not Works, is the Path to Righteousness – No one can earn their way into God’s favor. Salvation is a gift received by faith.
2. Self-Righteousness Leads to Spiritual Blindness – Those who rely on their own goodness often fail to see their need for a Savior.
3. Jesus is Either a Rock of Salvation or a Stumbling Stone – People either put their trust in Him or trip over Him in unbelief.

Paul is showing that trusting in religious effort instead of Jesus leads to spiritual failure.

Literary Analysis

Paul uses strong contrast in this verse:

• “Pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works.” – This contrast emphasizes the wrong approach that Israel took toward righteousness.
• “Stumbled over the stumbling stone.” – This is a powerful image. Instead of seeing Christ as their foundation, they tripped over Him because they refused to believe.

The stumbling stone metaphor is significant. A stone can either be:

• A foundation – Something you stand on for support (faith in Christ).
• An obstacle – Something you trip over and fall (rejecting Christ).

Paul is showing that Jesus forces a choice—you either trust in Him or stumble because of Him.

Biblical Cross-References

• Isaiah 8:14-15 – “He will be a stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.”
• Isaiah 28:16 – “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic.”
• 1 Peter 2:7-8 – “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone… a stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.”
• Galatians 2:16 – “A person is not justified by the works of the law, but through faith in Jesus Christ.”

These verses confirm that Jesus is the dividing line—people either trust in Him or reject Him and fall.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse is still relevant today because many people fall into the same trap that Israel did.

• Some people try to earn God’s approval by being good, following religious rules, or doing good works.
• Others reject Jesus because He doesn’t fit their expectations—they want salvation their own way, not God’s way.
• Many struggle to believe that faith alone is enough—they feel like they must “do more” to be accepted by God.

This verse reminds us that true righteousness is not about effort—it’s about trust.

Are you standing on Christ as your foundation, or are you stumbling over Him because you won’t fully trust Him?

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

Some might wonder: If God is loving, why does He let people stumble? But when we look closer, we see that even in judgment, God’s love is present.

• God made salvation simple – He didn’t create a complicated system of works, just simple faith in Jesus.
• God gives people a choice – He doesn’t force anyone to believe. He invites them to trust in Christ.
• God warns people about stumbling – Through Scripture, He tells us what will happen if we reject Jesus.

God’s love is seen in the fact that He provides a sure foundation in Christ. The problem is that many refuse to stand on it.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the central figure in this verse.

• Jesus is the “stumbling stone.” Those who refuse to trust in Him fall spiritually.
• Jesus is also the cornerstone. Those who believe in Him are made righteous and have a firm foundation (Ephesians 2:20).
• Jesus is the only way to salvation. Israel stumbled because they wanted another way, but Jesus alone can save (John 14:6).

The message of this verse is clear: Jesus is either your Savior or your stumbling block.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Have you ever tried to earn righteousness through works instead of trusting in Christ?
2. Why do you think many people today still reject Jesus and try to be “good enough” on their own?
3. How does this verse challenge the idea that religion alone can save a person?
4. What does it mean for Jesus to be the “stumbling stone” in your life?
5. How can you help others understand that righteousness comes through faith, not works?