Paul continues a dialogue about the difference between how two groups are responding to the Gospel. The Jews, who were focused on works, and the Gentiles, who often lived worldly lives. Some have lived lives full of self-indulgence. They have done terrible things and have a great deal of shame for those things. They have hurt themselves and others. They know they need God to intervene. When they are presented with the Gospel, they are amazed by His grace. For these individuals, the challenge is truly believing in their hearts that God wants them in heaven with Him forever.

Not everyone has lived a wild life. Some have grown up understanding the value of rules (Law). They have tried their best to honor their family values and continue in the faith of their upbringing. They go to church, give, and serve. Because of this, they have not experienced the havoc and heartache of living outside of this kind of protection. They are often admired as an example of how people should live. Yet there are still challenges of the heart for this group as well. In some ways, it can be more challenging if they don't recognize that their righteousness is only found in Jesus, the cornerstone, not their works. These are the ones most in danger of stumbling over the stumbling stone. Jesus will either be a stumbling stone in our lives or the cornerstone, a solid foundation upon which we build our lives.