Ephesians 2:20-22
built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The foundational teaching of the apostles and prophets, though crucial, is presented here not as the ultimate source of stability, but as a layer that rests upon and finds its true meaning in Christ. He isn't just part of the structure; He's the cornerstone that binds everything together, ensuring the entire building stands firm.
Paul is explaining how the church, comprised of both Jews and Gentiles, is a unified spiritual structure. He uses the imagery of a building to show that this unity is not a recent development but is grounded in the foundational teachings of the apostles and prophets, all pointing to Jesus Christ as the central, indispensable cornerstone. This metaphor emphasizes the solid, divinely established nature of the church, solidifying its identity and purpose.
Ever wondered who laid the groundwork for our faith? This verse points to a specific team chosen by God.
This verse paints a picture of the church as a magnificent building. The foundation of this building isn't just any old dirt; it's carefully constructed by the apostles and prophets. Think of them as the master architects and builders, commissioned by God to lay down the essential truths of the Gospel.
If apostles and prophets laid the foundation, what role does Jesus play? It's far more crucial than you might think.
While the apostles and prophets laid the groundwork, Jesus Christ Himself is the 'chief cornerstone.' This isn't just another stone in the wall; He is the linchpin that holds everything together and gives the entire structure its stability and purpose.
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.
synarmologoumenē · Greek Participle
Refers to the harmonious assembly and interconnectedness of believers, emphasizing that the church is an organic, unified body rather than an inanimate organization. It signifies the functional and positional unity of believers as they rely on Christ.
auxei · Greek Verb
This verse uses architectural imagery, drawing from the stability and structure of buildings. The apostles and prophets are seen as the essential 'foundation' upon which the Church is built, but it's Jesus Christ, the cornerstone, who truly binds everything together and gives the entire structure its integrity and purpose.
c. 4 BC - c. AD 30— this verse
Life of Jesus Christ
Jesus' life, ministry, death, and resurrection provide the ultimate foundation and cornerstone for the Christian faith.
c. AD 30 - c. AD 60
Ministry of the Apostles and Early Prophets
The apostles, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and New Testament prophets, spread the Gospel and laid the foundational teachings of the Church.
c. AD 50 - c. AD 62
Paul's Epistles
Paul writes his letters, including Ephesians, to churches across the Roman Empire, explaining the nature of the Church as a spiritual building.
c. AD 64
Persecution Under Nero
Early Christians faced intense persecution, highlighting the need for a strong, divinely founded community.
This passage directly states that Jesus Christ is the only foundation for the church, echoing Ephesians 2:20's emphasis on Christ as the cornerstone which supports the entire structure.
1 Peter 2:6This verse quotes Isaiah 28:16, identifying Jesus as a 'precious cornerstone' laid in Zion, directly paralleling the metaphor used in Ephesians 2:20.
Matthew 16:18Jesus declares to Peter, 'On this rock I will build my church,' establishing Himself as the foundational element upon which the church is built, which aligns with the cornerstone concept in Ephesians.
Isaiah 28:16This Old Testament prophecy, cited in both Ephesians and 1 Peter, foretells God laying a 'tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation' in Zion, clearly pointing to Christ as the ultimate support and cornerstone.
Revelation 21:14The New Jerusalem's foundations are described as bearing the names of the twelve apostles, linking the apostles directly to the foundational structure of God's dwelling place with humanity, similar to their role in Ephesians 2:20.
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 foundational teaching of the apostles and prophets, though crucial, is presented here not as the ultimate source of stability, but as a layer that rests upon and finds its true meaning in Christ. He isn't just part of the structure; He's the cornerstone that binds everything together, ensuring the entire building stands firm.
Paul is explaining how the church, comprised of both Jews and Gentiles, is a unified spiritual structure. He uses the imagery of a building to show that this unity is not a recent development but is grounded in the foundational teachings of the apostles and prophets, all pointing to Jesus Christ as the central, indispensable cornerstone. This metaphor emphasizes the solid, divinely established nature of the church, solidifying its identity and purpose.
Paul is explaining how the church, comprised of both Jews and Gentiles, is a unified spiritual structure. He uses the imagery of a building to show that this unity is not a recent development but is grounded in the foundational teachings of the apostles and prophets, all pointing to Jesus Christ as the central, indispensable cornerstone. This metaphor emphasizes the solid, divinely established nature of the church, solidifying its identity and purpose.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Ephesians 2:20-22 is available in the Sola app.
In a theological sense, this refers to the spiritual maturation and numerical expansion of the body of Christ. It denotes the process by which the church increasingly reflects the nature and life of Christ through the work of the Holy Spirit.
naon · Greek Noun
Designates a place set apart for the presence and worship of God. In the New Testament, it refers to the community of believers as the living habitation of God's presence, rather than a physical building.
katoikētērion · Greek Noun
Refers to a place where someone resides or settles. In this context, it emphasizes that the church is the established, permanent residence of God’s presence on earth, fulfilling the Old Testament promises of God dwelling among His people.
Pneumati · Greek Noun
Refers to the third person of the Trinity, the agent of regeneration, sanctification, and empowerment in the life of the believer and the church. He is the divine presence who indwells the collective body of believers, unifying and equipping them for God's purposes.
c. AD 90 - c. AD 100
Writing of the Gospels and Revelation
The foundational narratives of Jesus' life and teachings are solidified, and the ultimate triumph of God's building is revealed.
"built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwe…" — The foundational teaching of the apostles and prophets, though crucial, is presented here not as the ultimate source of stability, but as a layer that rests upon and finds its true meaning in Christ.…
