It's still a skandalon

The case of Jesus is in a class by itself. We can study the historical facts, ponder the motives of Pilate, debate the role of “the Jews,” and propose alternative interpretations until the fourth millennium, and we will be no closer to the reasons for the utter uniqueness of this death. Paul writes in Romans 1:17 that the gospel is “revealed through faith for faith.” This has never been an easy presupposition to defend. Like the “word of the cross” itself, the uncompromising nature of the Scriptures is a roadblock, a skandalon (I Cor. 1:23). Yet we cannot allow ourselves to be reduced to mumbling, “Well, you just have to take it on faith.” We have evidence from within Scripture itself that scholarship, reflection, and wrestling with the text are part of our calling as God’s people; the profound engagement of the Evangelists and apostles with their own received Hebrew Scriptures bears witness to this.—Fleming Rutledge, The Crucifixion, 21