Ephesians 2:20
built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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While the apostles and prophets are named as the foundation, the emphasis on "Jesus Christ himself" as the "cornerstone" highlights that Christ is not just part of the foundation, but the vital element that secures and unifies the entire structure. This means the teaching of the apostles and prophets ultimately finds its meaning and stability only in Him.
Paul is transitioning from the idea of the church as a household to a building. He explains that believers are constructed upon the teachings of the apostles and New Testament prophets, with Jesus Christ himself being the essential cornerstone that holds everything together. This imagery emphasizes the solid, divinely-ordained structure of the church, built on foundational truth and secured by Christ.
The Church isn't built on sand, but on a solid foundation. Who are the key figures in laying that foundation, and what does that mean for us today?
This verse paints a picture of the Church as a magnificent building. The foundation of this structure is described as 'the apostles and prophets.'
A Shared Mission
The Gospel as the Bedrock
The 'foundation' isn't just the people, but the message they proclaimed. Their collective testimony, centered on Jesus Christ, forms the bedrock upon which the Church is built. This isn't about human authority, but about the divine truth they were entrusted to share.
A building needs more than just a foundation; it needs a cornerstone that holds everything together. Who is that cornerstone for God's people?
While the apostles and prophets are the foundation, the verse immediately points to Jesus Christ as the 'chief cornerstone.' This highlights His supreme importance and unique role.
The Cornerstone's Role
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 speaks to the unified, divinely-ordained structure of the Church, built on the authoritative witness of apostles and prophets, with Jesus Christ as its indispensable cornerstone, a concept solidified as the Jewish sacrificial system and Temple were soon to be abolished.
c. 4 BC - AD 30/33
Life and Ministry of Jesus Christ
Jesus proclaimed the Kingdom of God, performed miracles, taught, died, and was resurrected, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies and laying the groundwork for the Church.
c. AD 30-33
Pentecost and the Early Church
The Holy Spirit descended on Jesus' followers, empowering them to preach the gospel. This event marks the official beginning of the New Testament Church.
c. AD 40s - 60s— this verse
Apostolic Ministry and Expansion
Apostles like Paul, Peter, and John, along with New Testament prophets, traveled extensively, establishing churches and teaching the foundational truths of Christianity.
c. AD 60s
Paul's Epistle to the Ephesians
Paul wrote this letter while under house arrest in Rome, likely to churches in Asia Minor, including Ephesus, to encourage them in their faith and understanding of God's plan.
This passage directly parallels the idea of a foundation laid by others, with Christ as the sole, irreplaceable foundation, reinforcing Ephesians 2:20's emphasis on Christ's unique role.
1 Peter 2:4-6Peter echoes Paul's imagery, calling Jesus the 'chief corner stone' chosen by God and likening believers to living stones built upon Him, further illuminating Christ's central position in the spiritual building.
Isaiah 28:16This Old Testament prophecy, alluded to in both Ephesians and 1 Peter, speaks of God laying a precious cornerstone in Zion, which is foundational and sure, directly connecting the Old and New Testaments in their understanding of Christ's significance.
Matthew 16:18Jesus' declaration to Peter, 'On this rock I will build my church,' introduces the concept of the church as a building with Christ as its ultimate support, resonating with the foundation and cornerstone imagery.
Revelation 21:14The description of the New Jerusalem's wall having twelve foundations, named after the twelve apostles, complements Ephesians 2:20 by showing how the apostles, as foundational figures, point to the ultimate cornerstone, Christ.
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…
While the apostles and prophets are named as the foundation, the emphasis on "Jesus Christ himself" as the "cornerstone" highlights that Christ is not just part of the foundation, but the vital element that secures and unifies the entire structure. This means the teaching of the apostles and prophets ultimately finds its meaning and stability only in Him.
Paul is transitioning from the idea of the church as a household to a building. He explains that believers are constructed upon the teachings of the apostles and New Testament prophets, with Jesus Christ himself being the essential cornerstone that holds everything together. This imagery emphasizes the solid, divinely-ordained structure of the church, built on foundational truth and secured by Christ.
Paul is transitioning from the idea of the church as a household to a building. He explains that believers are constructed upon the teachings of the apostles and New Testament prophets, with Jesus Christ himself being the essential cornerstone that holds everything together. This imagery emphasizes the solid, divinely-ordained structure of the church, built on foundational truth and secured by Christ.
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AD 70
Destruction of Jerusalem Temple
The Roman army destroyed Jerusalem and its Temple, a pivotal event that signified the end of the Old Covenant era and underscored the shift to the New Covenant established in Christ.
"built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone," — While the apostles and prophets are named as the foundation, the emphasis on "Jesus Christ himself" as the "cornerstone" highlights that Christ is not just part of the foundation, but the vital eleme…
