The Scandal of the Cross in Scripture and Theology
The concept of the "scandal of the cross" refers to the offensive and counter-intuitive nature of Christ's crucifixion, particularly to those outside of Christian faith. Paul articulates this in 1 Corinthians 1:23, stating that the message of a crucified Messiah is "a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles" [4]. This idea highlights the profound challenge the cross presented to both Jewish expectations of a conquering Messiah and Greek philosophical ideals of wisdom and power [4].
In the Greco-Roman world, crucifixion was a humiliating form of execution reserved for slaves, rebels, and the lowest criminals, making the idea of a divine figure undergoing such a death deeply scandalous [4]. For Jews, the Law declared that anyone "hanged on a tree is under God's curse" (Deuteronomy 21:23), which made the crucifixion of Jesus seem to contradict his claim to be the Messiah [4]. The cross, therefore, was not merely a tragic event but a profound theological and cultural paradox.
Despite its scandalous nature, the cross is presented as the central element of Christian faith and hope [4]. Paul emphasizes that his motivation was to glorify God, not himself, and that boasting about adherence to the law would diminish the recognition of the cross of Jesus Christ [4]. The testimony of Christ, which includes his suffering and death, was confirmed among believers through the preaching of the Gospel and accompanying miracles [2, 6]. This confirmation gave effect to the Gospel, as people accepted it and affirmed its truth through the inward power of God [2].
Early Christian writers, such as John Chrysostom, frequently alluded to the cross. Chrysostom, for instance, saw the Tree of Knowledge in Eden as a type, or prefigurement, of the cross [3]. He also noted the modesty of the Apostle John in describing his presence at the cross, highlighting John's role as an eyewitness to the piercing of Christ's side [5]. The sign of the cross was also used in early Christian practice; Augustine noted that catechumens received the sign of the cross on their forehead, signifying their belonging to the "Great House" of God, with the hope that they would progress from servants to sons [1].
The scandal of the cross is not merely an ancient historical issue but remains a point of distinction for Christian theology. It underscores that salvation does not come through human wisdom or power, but through the seemingly weak and foolish act of God in Christ's crucifixion [4]. This message stands in contrast to worldly values and expectations, requiring a reorientation of understanding for those who embrace it.
Sources
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on 1 & 2 Corinthians: in Savile’s Chrysostom, viii. pt. ii. p. 278, is as follows: “You see, he bids them erase the lines that he may depart: as though these detained him, and not only these, but the other things too about their apparel: because they wore certain portraitures of the deities who were invoked.” 167 See Strabo, ix. 5. 168 So St. Austin, Tract 11. on St. John: “Inasmuch as the Catechumens have the sign of the Cross in their forehead, they now belong to the Great House: but let them from servants become sons;” alluding to Gal. iv. 6, 7 ; ap. Bingham, i. 3.”
- 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 1:6: According as the testimony of (of, and concerning) Christ (who is both the object and author of this testimony [BENGEL]; Co1 2:1; Ti1 2:6; Ti2 1:8) was confirmed among [ALFORD] you; that is, by God, through my preaching and through the miracles accompanying it (Co1 12:3; Mar 16:20; Co2 1:21-22; Gal 3:2, Gal 3:5; Eph 4:7-8; Heb 2:4). God confirmed (compare Phi 1:7; Heb 2:3), or gave effect to the Gospel among (or better as English Version, "in") the Corinthians by their accepting it and setting their seal to its truth, through the inward power of ”
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on Acts & Romans: Theatres, mischief of, 68 , 262 , 270 ; promote irreverent behavior in Church, 161 . Theodorus, 238 , 252 . Thekla, Acts of Paul and, 167 . Timothy, circumcision of, 506 ; relics of, 553 . Tree of Knowledge, a type of the cross, 402 . Tribulations benefit the soul, 221 , 572 321 ; sent to rouse the faithful, 260 . Types, a mode of prophecy, 339 . Uncircumcision , received the Gospel before the circumcision, 388 . See Gentiles . Unction, with the Spirit, not with oil, 338 . Union is strength, especially in prayer, 231 ; how to secure, 232 . Vanity , i”
- Galatians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Galatians 6:14: 6:14 In contrast with the false teachers (6:12-13), Paul’s motivation was to increase, not his own reputation, but God’s glory. Boasting about law-keeping would detract from recognition of the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. • In the Greco-Roman world, the cross was a senseless scandal to those who did not believe (5:11; 1 Cor 1:23; cp. John 6:53-61), but it is the basis for a Christian’s faith and hope (1 Cor 1:17-18; 15:3; Phil 2:8-11; Col 1:20-22; 2:14-15).”
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on John & Hebrews: 173 ; Christ's love for him, enabled him to ask, 263 ; why indulged in great familiarity by Christ, 264 ; associated often with Peter, ib. ; his forbearance and exactness in relating the betrayal, 308 ; in relating his own conduct and Peter's at the Palace, ib. ; his modesty in speaking of his standing by the Cross, 318 ; honored by having the charge of Christ's mother, ib. ; an eye-witness of the piercing of the side, 319 ; why took no part in the burial, 320 ; does full credit to Mary's zeal and to Peter's, 320 , 321 ; the first to recognize Chris”
- 2 Timothy (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 2 Timothy 1:8: Be not then therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord,.... Either that testimony which Christ bore personally by his doctrine and miracles, and by his sufferings and death; or rather the Gospel so called, because it comes from Christ, and because it is a testimony concerning him; concerning his person, his offices, his righteousness, blood, sacrifice, and satisfaction; concerning his obedience, sufferings, death, resurrection, ascension, session at God's right hand, intercession for his people, and second coming to judgment; and concerning life and salvation by”