built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Ephesians 2:20
What does Ephesians 2:20 mean?
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Ephesians 2:20
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The verse highlights that the "apostles and prophets" are the foundation on which the church is built, not merely the architects. This means their teaching and witness, pointing to Christ, are the very bedrock of our faith, essential and foundational in themselves. Christ, then, is the "cornerstone" who secures and unites this entire structure.
built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is building on the metaphor of God's household, describing the church as a magnificent spiritual building where believers are brought together. This builds on the previous verses, emphasizing how Gentiles and Jews, once separated, are now unified in Christ. The immediate context highlights that this unity and inclusion are not based on human effort but on divine design, with Christ as the central, unifying element.
Who really laid the groundwork for the church? It wasn't just one person or group, but a divinely appointed team.
The church isn't built on shifting sands but on a solid, divinely revealed foundation.
If the apostles and prophets are the foundation, what makes the whole structure stand? It's the Master Builder himself.
Jesus Christ is not just part of the foundation; He is the essential cornerstone that holds everything together and gives it purpose.
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Understand the original words
themeliō · Greek Noun
The primary or foundational teaching/witness provided by God's messengers. It represents the historical and doctrinal basis upon which the Church is established.
akrogōniaios · Greek Noun
The chief stone of a building, essential for holding the structure together and ensuring alignment. It identifies Christ as the supreme, foundational figure upon whom the entire Church is built and sustained.
This verse uses the metaphor of a building to describe the church, emphasizing its divine construction and the vital role of the apostles and prophets in laying its foundation, with Christ Jesus as the ultimate cornerstone.
c. 30-33 AD— this verse
Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus
The central event of Christian faith, establishing Jesus as the cornerstone. His death and resurrection are the bedrock upon which the church is built.
c. 30-60 AD
Ministry of the Apostles and Early Prophets
The apostles, empowered by the Holy Spirit, preach the gospel and establish the first Christian communities. New Testament prophets also emerge, with gifts of inspired teaching and foresight.
c. 48-51 AD
Council of Jerusalem
A pivotal council addressing the inclusion of Gentiles into the church without requiring adherence to Jewish law. This affirmed the universality of the gospel, a key aspect of the church's foundation.
c. 50-62 AD
Paul's Epistles Written
The Apostle Paul writes letters, including Ephesians, to various churches. These letters articulate foundational Christian doctrines and provide instruction for church life.
c. 64 AD
Nero's Persecution of Christians
The first major Roman persecution of Christians begins, testing the faith of believers and demonstrating the resilience of the church as a spiritual building.
c. 70 AD
Destruction of the Jerusalem Temple
The Roman army destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, marking a significant shift in Jewish history and the end of the Old Covenant sacrificial system.
This passage uses the same building metaphor, explicitly stating Christ is the only foundation, reinforcing Jesus' central role as the cornerstone mentioned in Ephesians.
1 Peter 2:4-6Peter also uses the building and cornerstone imagery, directly quoting Isaiah 28:16, which is the likely source for Paul's metaphor, emphasizing Christ's foundational and crucial place.
Matthew 16:18Jesus himself speaks of building His church on 'this rock,' which is a foundational statement about His church's basis, paralleling the idea of apostles and prophets laying the groundwork on Christ.
Isaiah 28:16This Old Testament prophecy is the wellspring for the 'cornerstone' imagery used by both Peter and Paul, highlighting God's promised provision of a sure foundation in a chosen, precious cornerstone.
Revelation 21:14This passage in Revelation connects the 'foundations' of the New Jerusalem directly to the twelve apostles, aligning with Ephesians' idea of apostles as foundational elements of God's building.
vincentEphesians 2:20: "And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;"
Of the apostles and prophetsThe foundation laid by them. Prophets are New-Testament prophets. See Ephesians 3:5; Ephesians 4:11. See on 1 Corinthians 12:10.Chief corner-stone (ἀκρογωνίαου)Only here and 1 Peter 2:6.
bengelEphesians 2:20: "And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;"
Ephesians 2:20 . Ἐποικοδομηθέντες , built upon ) A phrase frequent with Paul, writing to the Ephesians, Ephesians 3:18 , (comp. Acts 20:32 ); and to Timothy, bishop of Ephesus, a metaphor taken from architecture; 1 Timothy 3:15 ; 2 Timothy 2:19 .— ἐπὶ τῷ θεμελίῳ , on the foundation ) As the foundation supports the whole building, so the testimony of the apostles a…
The verse highlights that the "apostles and prophets" are the foundation on which the church is built, not merely the architects. This means their teaching and witness, pointing to Christ, are the very bedrock of our faith, essential and foundational in themselves. Christ, then, is the "cornerstone" who secures and unites this entire structure.
Paul is building on the metaphor of God's household, describing the church as a magnificent spiritual building where believers are brought together. This builds on the previous verses, emphasizing how Gentiles and Jews, once separated, are now unified in Christ. The immediate context highlights that this unity and inclusion are not based on human effort but on divine design, with Christ as the central, unifying element.
Paul is building on the metaphor of God's household, describing the church as a magnificent spiritual building where believers are brought together. This builds on the previous verses, emphasizing how Gentiles and Jews, once separated, are now unified in Christ. The immediate context highlights that this unity and inclusion are not based on human effort but on divine design, with Christ as the central, unifying element.
"built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone," — The verse highlights that the "apostles and prophets" are the foundation on which the church is built, not merely the architects. This means their teaching and witness, pointing to Christ, are the…
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Last reviewed October 2026