As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious,
English Standard Version (ESV)
It's easy to focus on Jesus being rejected by people, but notice how Peter emphasizes that God sees Him as "chosen and precious." This isn't just about His eventual vindication; it highlights that Jesus's worth and divine purpose were always recognized by the Father, even amidst human scorn.
As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Peter is building on the idea that believers are like spiritual stones being used to build God's spiritual house, and Jesus is the cornerstone of that house. He's reminding them that even though they, like Jesus, might face rejection from the world, they are incredibly valuable to God. This comes right after he's urged them to "put away all malice," showing that their worth in God's eyes should shape how they react to mistreatment.
The verse starts with 'As you come to him.' What does it mean to 'come' to Jesus, and why is it described as a 'living' encounter?
The imagery of 'coming to him' isn't a one-time event but an ongoing process of drawing near to Jesus. He is a 'living stone,' meaning He is eternally alive and the source of life for all who connect with Him. This isn't about following rules; it's about a dynamic, life-giving relationship where we are drawn into His very life.
Jesus was 'rejected by men' but 'chosen and precious' to God. How does this paradox shape our understanding of Him and our own value?
This is a profound truth about Jesus. Humanly speaking, He was misunderstood, scorned, and ultimately put to death by religious and political leaders. Yet, from God's perspective, He was never rejected. He was and is the ultimate 'chosen' one, infinitely 'precious' – the cornerstone of God's plan. This shows us that human opinion is temporary and flawed, while God's eternal choice is absolute and secures our ultimate value.
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lithos zon · Greek Noun phrase
Christ as the foundational, vital, and immutable presence of God’s plan. Unlike inanimate masonry, He possesses the very life of God and is the cornerstone of the spiritual temple.
Peter is writing to believers who are scattered and likely facing opposition. He reminds them that the very One they follow, Jesus, was rejected by human leaders but is supremely valued by God. This perspective is crucial for enduring hardship and understanding their identity in Christ, the living stone.
c. 700 BC
Isaiah's Prophecy of the Cornerstone
Isaiah foretells a future descendant of David who will be a 'precious cornerstone' for a sure foundation, chosen by God.
c. 27-30 AD
Jesus' Public Ministry Begins
Jesus begins his earthly ministry, proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God and calling people to follow him.
c. 30-33 AD
Jesus' Rejection and Crucifixion
Despite powerful signs and teachings, Jesus is rejected by the religious authorities and crucified, an event seen by many as a sign of his shame.
c. 30-33 AD— this verse
Jesus' Resurrection and Ascension
God raises Jesus from the dead, vindicating him and confirming his divine identity as the chosen Son.
c. 40s-50s AD
Early Church Spreads
The message of Jesus as the Messiah begins to spread rapidly among both Jews and Gentiles, forming the early Christian communities.
c. 64 AD
Great Fire of Rome
A devastating fire sweeps through Rome, leading Emperor Nero to blame and persecute Christians, causing widespread suffering.
This passage directly foreshadows Jesus as the cornerstone, chosen and precious, laid in Zion, which Peter is clearly referencing.
Psalm 118:22This psalm speaks of the stone that the builders rejected becoming the cornerstone, a powerful image of how God elevates what people cast aside.
Acts 4:11Peter himself quotes Psalm 118:22 in his sermon to the religious leaders, explicitly identifying Jesus as this rejected but precious cornerstone.
Ephesians 2:20This passage builds on the same metaphor, describing believers as built upon the foundation of apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone.
It's easy to focus on Jesus being rejected by people, but notice how Peter emphasizes that God sees Him as "chosen and precious." This isn't just about His eventual vindication; it highlights that Jesus's worth and divine purpose were always recognized by the Father, even amidst human scorn.
Peter is building on the idea that believers are like spiritual stones being used to build God's spiritual house, and Jesus is the cornerstone of that house. He's reminding them that even though they, like Jesus, might face rejection from the world, they are incredibly valuable to God. This comes right after he's urged them to "put away all malice," showing that their worth in God's eyes should shape how they react to mistreatment.
Peter is building on the idea that believers are like spiritual stones being used to build God's spiritual house, and Jesus is the cornerstone of that house. He's reminding them that even though they, like Jesus, might face rejection from the world, they are incredibly valuable to God. This comes right after he's urged them to "put away all malice," showing that their worth in God's eyes should shape how they react to mistreatment.
"As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious," — It's easy to focus on Jesus being rejected by people, but notice how Peter emphasizes that God sees Him as "chosen and precious." This isn't just about His eventual vindication; it highlights that Je…
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Last reviewed October 2026