1 Peter 2:6
Verse
Context
The Living Stone and Chosen People
5you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6For it stands in Scripture: “See, I lay in Zion a stone, a chosen and precious cornerstone; and the one who believes in Him will never be put to shame.”
Sermons
George Fox
John Gill
James Bourne
Denis Lyle
James SmithGeorge FoxSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Behold, I lay in Sion - This intimates that the foundation of the Christian Church should be laid at Jerusalem; and there it was laid, for there Christ suffered, and there the preaching of the Gospel commenced. A chief corner stone - This is the same as the foundation stone; and it is called here the chief corner stone because it is laid in the foundation, at an angle of the building where its two sides form the ground work of a side and end wall. And this might probably be designed to show that, in Jesus, both Jews and Gentiles were to be united; and this is probably the reason why it was called a stone of stumbling, and rock of offense; for nothing stumbled, nothing offended the Jews so much as the calling of the Gentiles into the Church of God, and admitting them to the same privileges which had been before peculiar to the Jews. Elect, precious - Chosen and honorable. See on Pe1 2:4. Shall not be confounded - These words are quoted from Isa 28:16; but rather more from the Septuagint than from the Hebrew text. The latter we translate, He that believeth shall not make haste - he who comes to God, through Christ, for salvation, shall never be confounded; he need not haste to flee away, for no enemy shall ever be able to annoy him.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Wherefore also--The oldest manuscripts read, "Because that." The statement above is so "because it is contained in Scripture." Behold--calling attention to the glorious announcement of His eternal counsel. elect--so also believers (Pe1 2:9, "chosen," Greek, "elect generation"). precious--in Hebrew, Isa 28:16, "a corner-stone of preciousness." See on Isa 28:16. So in Pe1 2:7, Christ is said to be, to believers, "precious," Greek, "preciousness." confounded--same Greek as in Rom 9:33 (Peter here as elsewhere confirming Paul's teaching. See Introduction; also Rom 10:11), "ashamed." In Isa 28:16, "make haste," that is, flee in sudden panic, covered with the shame of confounded hopes.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Unto you therefore which believe,.... And such are not all they that can say their creed, or give their assent to the articles of it; nor all that believe a divine revelation, and that the Scriptures are the word of God, and give credit to all that is contained in the sacred oracles; or who believe the whole Gospel, and all the truths of it; as that there is one God; that there are three persons in the Godhead, Father, Son, and Spirit; that Christ is the Son of God, and truly God; that he is the Mediator between God and man; that he is the Messiah, is become incarnate, has obeyed, suffered, and died for men, and is the Saviour of them: that he rose again, ascended to heaven, is set down at the right hand of God, intercedes for his people, and will come a second time to judge the world in righteousness; together with all other truths which arise from, depend upon, and are connected with these; nor all that say they believe, or profess to do so; but such who have seen themselves lost and undone by sin, their need of a Saviour, and Christ as the only one; who have seen the Son, the beauty of his person, the fulness of his grace, and the necessity and suitableness of salvation by him; who have beheld him as able to save them, as every way proper for them, and desirable by them, for faith is a sight of Christ; who also come to him under the drawings of efficacious grace, as perishing sinners, encouraged by his invitations and declarations, and venture on him; who likewise lay hold upon him, as their Saviour, and will have no other; give up themselves to him, and commit their all into his hands; who rely and stay themselves upon him, trust him with all they have, and for all they want, expecting grace and glory from him; who live upon him, and walk on in him, go on believing in him, till they receive the end of their faith, the salvation of their souls. Now to these, in proof of what is asserted in the above passage out of Isaiah, Christ is precious; he is so in all his names and titles, as Immanuel, God with us, and that cluster of them in Isa 9:6 and particularly his name Jesus, a Saviour, which is as ointment poured forth, and draws the love of believers to him; and so he is in both his natures, divine and human; the perfections of deity in him, his being in the form of God, and equal to him, the brightness of his Father's glory, and the express image of his person, render him very amiable in the view of believers; who rightly conclude from hence, that all he has done, and does, must answer the purposes for which they are designed; and his having a perfect human nature, like to theirs, excepting sin, in which he wrought salvation for them on earth, and is now glorified in heaven, makes him a delightful object to them: he is also precious to them in all his offices; in his priestly office, his blood is precious, as it must needs be, since by it they are purchased and redeemed; they are justified and sanctified by it; through it they have the forgiveness of sin, and boldness to enter into the holiest of all: his righteousness is precious to them, it being the best robe, the wedding garment, fine linen, clean and white, every way suitable to them, and answerable to the demands of the law; is pure, perfect, and everlasting; that by which they are justified from all things, and which will answer for them in a time to come, and entitles them to eternal life. His sacrifice is precious, of a sweet smelling savour to them, as well as to God; by which their sins are fully expiated, put, and taken away; full satisfaction being made for them, and they themselves thereby perfected for ever. And so he is in his prophetic office. His word is precious, and all the truths of the Gospel, which are comparable to gold, silver, and precious stones; the promises of it are exceeding great and precious, being suited to the cases of all believers: and he is also precious in his kingly office; his commands are not grievous; his yoke is easy, and burden light; believers love his commandments above gold, yea; above fine gold, and esteem his precepts concerning all things to be right, and delight in his ways and ordinances: moreover, he is precious to them in all his relations, as he is the head of eminence and influence, their kind and loving husband, their everlasting Father, their affectionate brother, and faithful friend; his whole person, in every view, is precious to them that believe; the church of Christ, the members of his body, the sons of Zion, comparable to fine gold, in these is all the delight of saints; everything that is in Christ, that is of him, or belongs to him, is precious to such souls: some read the words, "to you therefore that believe, he is honour"; as the Vulgate Latin, Arabic, and Ethiopic versions; and so the word is rendered in Rom 13:7, he is both an honour to them, that they are related to him; and he is honoured by them, by believing in him, and obeying him; and he is the cause of all their true honour, both in this and the other world. The Syriac version renders it, "to therefore is this honour given"; namely, that such a stone is laid, and that they were built upon it, and should not be confounded or ashamed, either here or hereafter; connecting the words with the preceding. The Septuagint use the word the apostle here does, in Isa 11:10 where it is prophesied of the Messiah, that his rest shall be glorious; they render it "honour", or "precious". The Jewish writers have adopted the word into their language, and use it for profit and gain (w); in which sense it is applicable to Christ, who is gain to believers, both in life and in death; they being blessed with all spiritual blessings in him, and he being all in all to them: and also they use it, as denoting the intrinsic price and value of anything (x), and which is a right sense of the word; and to believers the price of wisdom, or Christ, is far above rubies, and all the things that can be desired; to them he is precious as a stone, as a foundation and corner stone, and more precious than the most precious stones or things in nature; this he is to them that believe: next follows, in this and the other verse, the account of what he is to them that believe not: but unto them which be disobedient; who are not persuadable, unbelieving, and are children of disobedience; who neither obey God and his righteous law, nor Christ and his Gospel: the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner; reference is manifestly had to Psa 118:22 which is a passage that clearly belongs to the Messiah, and which is suggested by Christ himself; see Gill on Mat 21:42; and is by our apostle, in Act 4:11 applied unto him: by the builders are meant the rulers of the Jews, both civil and ecclesiastical, and especially the latter, the Scribes, Pharisees, and chief priests; who set up for builders of the church of God, but were miserable ones; they built themselves, and taught others to build, on the observance of the ceremonial law, and the traditions of the elders; on their carnal privileges, and moral righteousness; and these disallowed of Christ in the building, rejected him as the Messiah, refused him as the Saviour and Redeemer, and set him at nought, had him in the utmost derision, and reckoned him as a worm, and no man; but, to their great mortification, he is not only laid and retained as the foundation and cornerstone, but made the head of the building, and is exalted at God's right hand above angels and men; he is the head of the body, the church; he is higher than the kings of the earth, and angels are subject to him, (w) Targum in Esther iii. 8. & v. 13. & vii. 4. (x) Targum Hierosol. in Gen. xxi. 33. Targum Jon. in Gen. xxiii. 15. Targum in Prov. xxxi. 10. Bereshit Rabba, sect. 2. fol. 2. 3. & sect. 11. fol. 9. 3.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:6-8 The three Old Testament quotations in these verses each identify Christ as some kind of stone: the cornerstone on which the new temple is built (2:6); the cornerstone that God, despite peoples’ rejection, has elevated to be the keystone of his redemptive plan (2:7); and the stone that makes people stumble (2:8). Jesus quotes Ps 118:22 (Matt 21:42), and Paul quotes both Isa 8:14 and 28:16 (Rom 9:33). Likely these three quotations were brought together very early as a combined Old Testament testimony to the nature and significance of Jesus the Messiah.
1 Peter 2:6
The Living Stone and Chosen People
5you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6For it stands in Scripture: “See, I lay in Zion a stone, a chosen and precious cornerstone; and the one who believes in Him will never be put to shame.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Epistle 277
By George Fox0MAT 18:20LUK 1:33JHN 8:44JHN 17:3ACT 4:12GAL 4:28EPH 3:21EPH 6:6COL 3:21TI 4:12TIT 2:7HEB 1:14HEB 3:1JAS 3:171PE 2:6George Fox preaches about the importance of living out the truth of God in our daily lives, emphasizing the need to bring our families along to worship and guide them in the wisdom and understanding of God. He urges believers to be diligent in serving the Lord and to set their minds on heavenly things, so that they may be heirs of salvation and children of the promise. Fox encourages families to be good examples to one another, glorifying God in all aspects of their lives.
1 Peter 2:6
By John Gill0Assurance in FaithChrist as CornerstonePSA 118:22ISA 28:16MAT 7:24ROM 10:111CO 3:11EPH 2:202TI 1:12HEB 13:51PE 2:61JN 2:28John Gill emphasizes the significance of Christ as the chief cornerstone, as prophesied in Isaiah 28:16, highlighting His divine selection and preciousness to both God and humanity. He explains that Christ not only strengthens and adorns the spiritual building of the church but also unites believers across all ages and places. Gill reassures that those who believe in Christ will not be ashamed or confounded, as their faith provides safety and confidence both in this life and the next. The sermon underscores the importance of recognizing Christ's role in our spiritual lives and the assurance that comes from trusting in Him.
Watchmen Upon the Walls
By James Bourne0PSA 40:1PSA 106:4ISA 40:11MAL 3:2JHN 15:16ACT 4:111CO 3:11EPH 6:10TIT 3:51PE 2:6James Bourne preaches about the importance of faithful watchmen in guarding God's people and promoting their welfare through unceasing prayers and a faithful ministry. The prophet Isaiah emphasizes God's peculiar care over His afflicted people, assuring them of His delight in those who hope in His mercy and the everlasting name He bestows upon them. The chapter highlights the need for a tender union with Christ and preserving the foundation of faith in Jesus Christ, the chief cornerstone. The faithful watchmen are called to proclaim the happy truths of salvation to a poor and afflicted people, assuring them of God's everlasting love and care.
Europe in Prophecy
By Denis Lyle0PSA 72:11PSA 118:22ISA 28:16DAN 2:31LUK 20:17LUK 21:24ROM 1:251TH 4:16HEB 1:31PE 2:6Denis Lyle preaches on the prophecy in Daniel 2, highlighting the rise and fall of world empires as foretold by God. The vision of the image described in the dream to Nebuchadnezzar symbolizes the succession of Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome as world powers, with a future revival of the Roman Empire. The image's decline in value and weight contrasts with the eternal glory of Christ, who will ultimately destroy all earthly kingdoms and establish His reign. Lyle emphasizes the importance of being prepared for Christ's return and the signs pointing to the fulfillment of biblical prophecies in current events.
Christ All in All!
By James Smith0PSA 23:1ISA 9:6JHN 10:11JHN 14:6JHN 16:14EPH 5:2COL 1:19HEB 4:151PE 2:6James Smith preaches about the Holy Spirit's work in our hearts as the glorifier of Jesus, leading us to see the Savior in His divine sweetness and glory. As we exalt and glorify Jesus, we long for others to love and adore Him as we do, recognizing His nature of love, grace, and mercy displayed in every aspect of His being. By looking at His person, names, offices, relationships, and comparisons made by the Holy Spirit, we see Christ's unparalleled excellence, loveliness, and suitability, drawing us closer to Him and igniting a desire to serve and glorify Him in all aspects of our lives.
Epistle 172
By George Fox0Identity in ChristPerseverance in FaithEZK 16:49JHN 12:311CO 2:8EPH 2:192TI 3:5HEB 11:101PE 2:62PE 2:6REV 5:9George Fox emphasizes that believers are part of the royal seed, chosen and precious in God's sight, called to live righteously amidst a world filled with ungodliness. He highlights the persecution faced by the faithful, who are often at odds with the worldly powers that oppose the truth of Christ. Fox calls for a return to the true essence of faith, where love and righteousness reign, contrasting it with the hypocrisy of those who profess religion without embodying its spirit. He asserts that true believers are anointed by God, tasked with preaching righteousness and standing firm against the corruption of the world. Ultimately, he encourages the faithful to recognize their identity as kings and priests, empowered to reign with Christ against the forces of darkness.
Matthew 7:24 to End. the Parable of the House on the Rock and the House on the Sand.
By Favell Lee Mortimer0PSA 127:1MAT 7:241CO 3:11EPH 2:202TI 3:5HEB 11:7JAS 1:221PE 2:6Favell Lee Mortimer preaches on the importance of having a solid foundation in faith, as illustrated by Jesus' parable of the wise and foolish builders. The wise builder dug deep and built on rock, representing those who have humbled themselves before God, believed in Christ, and been sanctified by the Holy Spirit. In contrast, the foolish builder built on sand, symbolizing those who have a mere form of godliness but lack true conversion and love for Christ. Mortimer emphasizes the need for genuine faith and obedience, not just hearing the gospel, to withstand the storms of life and the final judgment.
When We Are in the Furnace
By Anne Dutton0ISA 28:16ISA 31:9MAL 3:3JHN 16:22JAS 1:121PE 2:6Anne Dutton preaches about enduring through afflictions, emphasizing that God allows trials to refine His people, not to destroy them. She encourages trusting in God as the Refiner who controls the intensity and duration of the fire of affliction, ensuring that it leads to both present growth and eternal reward. Dutton reassures that those who are in Christ are secure in their salvation, standing on an immovable foundation that can withstand any storm or doubt.
The Truth of God
By Paris Reidhead0MAT 11:28HEB 13:201PE 2:61PE 2:9Paris Reidhead preaches about the importance of falling upon the Rock, being broken, and fully surrendering to the Sovereignty of God's Son. He emphasizes the need for individuals to abandon their own will, plans, and ambitions to glorify Jesus Christ in every aspect of their lives. Reidhead warns about the consequences of rejecting the message of hope and deliverance, urging listeners to bend until they break before the Lord to avoid being ground to powder. He highlights the significance of total abandonment to Christ as the only hope for the current generation, emphasizing the essentiality of repentance and being built upon the Rock through complete surrender.
Simeon's Farewell to the World
By John Piper0ISA 42:6ISA 49:6LUK 1:15LUK 2:29ACT 2:3ROM 9:32ROM 11:11ROM 11:19EPH 5:181PE 2:6John Piper preaches on Luke 2:21-40, focusing on Simeon's Farewell to the World as the central theme of the passage. The aged characters like Simeon and Anna symbolize the passing of the era of the law and the prophets, welcoming Jesus as the fulfillment of their faith. Luke emphasizes the importance of continuity between the old and new eras, showing that Jesus came not to abolish but to fulfill the law and the prophets. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Acts is seen as a continuation of the Spirit's work in the old era, highlighting the unity between the two. Simeon's prophecy reveals that salvation will extend beyond Israel to all nations, emphasizing the inclusive nature of God's plan for redemption.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Behold, I lay in Sion - This intimates that the foundation of the Christian Church should be laid at Jerusalem; and there it was laid, for there Christ suffered, and there the preaching of the Gospel commenced. A chief corner stone - This is the same as the foundation stone; and it is called here the chief corner stone because it is laid in the foundation, at an angle of the building where its two sides form the ground work of a side and end wall. And this might probably be designed to show that, in Jesus, both Jews and Gentiles were to be united; and this is probably the reason why it was called a stone of stumbling, and rock of offense; for nothing stumbled, nothing offended the Jews so much as the calling of the Gentiles into the Church of God, and admitting them to the same privileges which had been before peculiar to the Jews. Elect, precious - Chosen and honorable. See on Pe1 2:4. Shall not be confounded - These words are quoted from Isa 28:16; but rather more from the Septuagint than from the Hebrew text. The latter we translate, He that believeth shall not make haste - he who comes to God, through Christ, for salvation, shall never be confounded; he need not haste to flee away, for no enemy shall ever be able to annoy him.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Wherefore also--The oldest manuscripts read, "Because that." The statement above is so "because it is contained in Scripture." Behold--calling attention to the glorious announcement of His eternal counsel. elect--so also believers (Pe1 2:9, "chosen," Greek, "elect generation"). precious--in Hebrew, Isa 28:16, "a corner-stone of preciousness." See on Isa 28:16. So in Pe1 2:7, Christ is said to be, to believers, "precious," Greek, "preciousness." confounded--same Greek as in Rom 9:33 (Peter here as elsewhere confirming Paul's teaching. See Introduction; also Rom 10:11), "ashamed." In Isa 28:16, "make haste," that is, flee in sudden panic, covered with the shame of confounded hopes.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Unto you therefore which believe,.... And such are not all they that can say their creed, or give their assent to the articles of it; nor all that believe a divine revelation, and that the Scriptures are the word of God, and give credit to all that is contained in the sacred oracles; or who believe the whole Gospel, and all the truths of it; as that there is one God; that there are three persons in the Godhead, Father, Son, and Spirit; that Christ is the Son of God, and truly God; that he is the Mediator between God and man; that he is the Messiah, is become incarnate, has obeyed, suffered, and died for men, and is the Saviour of them: that he rose again, ascended to heaven, is set down at the right hand of God, intercedes for his people, and will come a second time to judge the world in righteousness; together with all other truths which arise from, depend upon, and are connected with these; nor all that say they believe, or profess to do so; but such who have seen themselves lost and undone by sin, their need of a Saviour, and Christ as the only one; who have seen the Son, the beauty of his person, the fulness of his grace, and the necessity and suitableness of salvation by him; who have beheld him as able to save them, as every way proper for them, and desirable by them, for faith is a sight of Christ; who also come to him under the drawings of efficacious grace, as perishing sinners, encouraged by his invitations and declarations, and venture on him; who likewise lay hold upon him, as their Saviour, and will have no other; give up themselves to him, and commit their all into his hands; who rely and stay themselves upon him, trust him with all they have, and for all they want, expecting grace and glory from him; who live upon him, and walk on in him, go on believing in him, till they receive the end of their faith, the salvation of their souls. Now to these, in proof of what is asserted in the above passage out of Isaiah, Christ is precious; he is so in all his names and titles, as Immanuel, God with us, and that cluster of them in Isa 9:6 and particularly his name Jesus, a Saviour, which is as ointment poured forth, and draws the love of believers to him; and so he is in both his natures, divine and human; the perfections of deity in him, his being in the form of God, and equal to him, the brightness of his Father's glory, and the express image of his person, render him very amiable in the view of believers; who rightly conclude from hence, that all he has done, and does, must answer the purposes for which they are designed; and his having a perfect human nature, like to theirs, excepting sin, in which he wrought salvation for them on earth, and is now glorified in heaven, makes him a delightful object to them: he is also precious to them in all his offices; in his priestly office, his blood is precious, as it must needs be, since by it they are purchased and redeemed; they are justified and sanctified by it; through it they have the forgiveness of sin, and boldness to enter into the holiest of all: his righteousness is precious to them, it being the best robe, the wedding garment, fine linen, clean and white, every way suitable to them, and answerable to the demands of the law; is pure, perfect, and everlasting; that by which they are justified from all things, and which will answer for them in a time to come, and entitles them to eternal life. His sacrifice is precious, of a sweet smelling savour to them, as well as to God; by which their sins are fully expiated, put, and taken away; full satisfaction being made for them, and they themselves thereby perfected for ever. And so he is in his prophetic office. His word is precious, and all the truths of the Gospel, which are comparable to gold, silver, and precious stones; the promises of it are exceeding great and precious, being suited to the cases of all believers: and he is also precious in his kingly office; his commands are not grievous; his yoke is easy, and burden light; believers love his commandments above gold, yea; above fine gold, and esteem his precepts concerning all things to be right, and delight in his ways and ordinances: moreover, he is precious to them in all his relations, as he is the head of eminence and influence, their kind and loving husband, their everlasting Father, their affectionate brother, and faithful friend; his whole person, in every view, is precious to them that believe; the church of Christ, the members of his body, the sons of Zion, comparable to fine gold, in these is all the delight of saints; everything that is in Christ, that is of him, or belongs to him, is precious to such souls: some read the words, "to you therefore that believe, he is honour"; as the Vulgate Latin, Arabic, and Ethiopic versions; and so the word is rendered in Rom 13:7, he is both an honour to them, that they are related to him; and he is honoured by them, by believing in him, and obeying him; and he is the cause of all their true honour, both in this and the other world. The Syriac version renders it, "to therefore is this honour given"; namely, that such a stone is laid, and that they were built upon it, and should not be confounded or ashamed, either here or hereafter; connecting the words with the preceding. The Septuagint use the word the apostle here does, in Isa 11:10 where it is prophesied of the Messiah, that his rest shall be glorious; they render it "honour", or "precious". The Jewish writers have adopted the word into their language, and use it for profit and gain (w); in which sense it is applicable to Christ, who is gain to believers, both in life and in death; they being blessed with all spiritual blessings in him, and he being all in all to them: and also they use it, as denoting the intrinsic price and value of anything (x), and which is a right sense of the word; and to believers the price of wisdom, or Christ, is far above rubies, and all the things that can be desired; to them he is precious as a stone, as a foundation and corner stone, and more precious than the most precious stones or things in nature; this he is to them that believe: next follows, in this and the other verse, the account of what he is to them that believe not: but unto them which be disobedient; who are not persuadable, unbelieving, and are children of disobedience; who neither obey God and his righteous law, nor Christ and his Gospel: the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner; reference is manifestly had to Psa 118:22 which is a passage that clearly belongs to the Messiah, and which is suggested by Christ himself; see Gill on Mat 21:42; and is by our apostle, in Act 4:11 applied unto him: by the builders are meant the rulers of the Jews, both civil and ecclesiastical, and especially the latter, the Scribes, Pharisees, and chief priests; who set up for builders of the church of God, but were miserable ones; they built themselves, and taught others to build, on the observance of the ceremonial law, and the traditions of the elders; on their carnal privileges, and moral righteousness; and these disallowed of Christ in the building, rejected him as the Messiah, refused him as the Saviour and Redeemer, and set him at nought, had him in the utmost derision, and reckoned him as a worm, and no man; but, to their great mortification, he is not only laid and retained as the foundation and cornerstone, but made the head of the building, and is exalted at God's right hand above angels and men; he is the head of the body, the church; he is higher than the kings of the earth, and angels are subject to him, (w) Targum in Esther iii. 8. & v. 13. & vii. 4. (x) Targum Hierosol. in Gen. xxi. 33. Targum Jon. in Gen. xxiii. 15. Targum in Prov. xxxi. 10. Bereshit Rabba, sect. 2. fol. 2. 3. & sect. 11. fol. 9. 3.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:6-8 The three Old Testament quotations in these verses each identify Christ as some kind of stone: the cornerstone on which the new temple is built (2:6); the cornerstone that God, despite peoples’ rejection, has elevated to be the keystone of his redemptive plan (2:7); and the stone that makes people stumble (2:8). Jesus quotes Ps 118:22 (Matt 21:42), and Paul quotes both Isa 8:14 and 28:16 (Rom 9:33). Likely these three quotations were brought together very early as a combined Old Testament testimony to the nature and significance of Jesus the Messiah.