Ephesians 2:20
Verse
Context
Christ Our Cornerstone
19Therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household,20built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone.21In Him the whole building is fitted together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And are built upon the foundation - Following the same metaphor, comparing the Church of Christ to a city, and to the temple, the believing Ephesians are represented as parts of that building; the living stones out of which it is principally formed, Pe1 2:4, Pe1 2:5, having for foundation - the ground plan, specification, and principle on which it was builded, the doctrine taught by the prophets in the Old Testament, and the apostles in the New. Jesus Christ being that corner stone, or ακρογωνιαιος, the chief angle or foundation corner stone, the connecting medium by which both Jews and Gentiles were united in the same building. Elsewhere Jesus Christ is termed the foundation stone. Behold I lay in Zion a foundation stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, Isa 28:16; but the meaning is the same in all the places where these terms, foundation and corner stone, occur; for in laying the foundation of a building, a large stone is generally placed at one of the angles or corners, which serves to form a part of the two walls which meet in that angle. When, therefore, the apostle says that Jesus Christ is the chief corner stone, it means such a foundation stone as that above mentioned.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Translate as Greek, "Built up upon," &c. (participle; having been built up upon; omit, therefore, "and are"). Compare Co1 3:11-12. The same image in Eph 3:18, recurs in his address to the Ephesian elders (Act 20:32), and in his Epistle to Timothy at Ephesus (Ti1 3:15; Ti2 2:19), naturally suggested by the splendid architecture of Diana's temple; the glory of the Christian temple is eternal and real, not mere idolatrous gaud. The image of a building is appropriate also to the Jew-Christians; as the temple at Jerusalem was the stronghold of Judaism; as Diana's temple, of paganism. foundation of the apostles, &c.--that is, upon their ministry and living example (compare Mat 16:18). Christ Himself, the only true Foundation, was the grand subject of their ministry, and spring of their life. As one with Him and His fellow workers, they, too, in a secondary sense, are called "foundations" (Rev 21:14). The "prophets" are joined with them closely; for the expression is here not "foundations of the apostles and the prophets," but "foundations of the apostles and prophets." For the doctrine of both was essentially one (Pe1 1:10-11; Rev 19:10). The apostles take the precedency (Luk 10:24). Thus he appropriately shows regard to the claims of the Jews and Gentiles: "the prophets" representing the old Jewish dispensation, "the apostles" the new. The "prophets" of the new also are included. BENGEL and ALFORD refer the meaning solely to these (Eph 3:5; Eph 4:11). These passages imply, I think, that the New Testament prophets are not excluded; but the apostle's plain reference to Psa 118:22, "the head stone of the corner," proves that the Old Testament prophets are a prominent thought. David is called a "prophet" in Act 2:30. Compare also Isa 28:16; another prophet present to the mind of Paul, which prophecy leans on the earlier one of Jacob (Gen 49:24). The sense of the context, too, suits this: Ye were once aliens from the commonwealth of Israel (in the time of her Old Testament prophets), but now ye are members of the true Israel, built upon the foundation of her New Testament apostles and Old Testament prophets. Paul continually identifies his teaching with that of Israel's old prophets (Act 26:22; Act 28:23). The costly foundation-stones of the temple (Kg1 5:17) typified the same truth (compare Jer 51:26). The same stone is at once the corner-stone and the foundation-stone on which the whole building rests. Paul supposes a stone or rock so large and so fashioned as to be both at once; supporting the whole as the foundation, and in part rising up at the extremities, so as to admit of the side walls meeting in it, and being united in it as the corner-stone [ZANCHIUS]. As the corner-stone, it is conspicuous, as was Christ (Pe1 2:6), and coming in men's way may be stumbled over, as the Jews did at Christ (Mat 21:42; Pe1 2:7).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets,.... The prophets of the Old Testament, and the apostles of the New, who agree in laying ministerially the one and only foundation, Jesus Christ; for not the persons of the apostles and prophets, nor their doctrines merely, are here meant; but Christ who is contained in them, and who is the foundation on which the church, and all true believers are built: he is the foundation of the covenant of grace, of all the blessings and promises of it, of faith and hope, of peace, joy, and comfort, of salvation and eternal happiness; on this foundation the saints are built by Father, Son, and Spirit, as the efficient causes, and by the ministers of the Gospel as instruments: these lie in the same common quarry with the rest of mankind, and are singled out from thence by efficacious grace; they are broken and hewn by the word and ministers of it, as means; and are ministerially laid on Christ the foundation, and are built up thereon in faith and holiness; yea, private Christians are useful this way to build up one another: Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; which cements and knits together angels and men, Jews and Gentiles, Old and New Testament saints, saints above, and saints below, saints on earth, in all ages and places, and of every denomination; and which is the beauty and glory, as well as the strength of the building, which keeps all together; and Christ is the chief, the headstone of the corner, and who is superior to angels and men. This phrase is used by the Jews to denote excellency in a person; so a wise scholar is called , "a cornerstone"; (i) see Psa 118:22. It may be rendered, "the chief cornering-stone"; it being such an one that is a foundation stone, as well as a cornerstone; and reached unto, and lay at the bottom of, and supported the four corners of the building; for the foundation and corner stone in this spiritual building, is one and the same stone, Christ: it is said of the temple of Latona, at Buto, in Egypt, that it was made, "of one stone", as Herodotus (k) an eyewitness of it, attests. (i) Abot R. Nathan, c. 28. (k) Euterpe, c. 155.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:20 Apostles are missionary evangelists commissioned by God. • Here, the prophets appear to be New Testament prophets, not Old Testament ones (see 3:5; 4:11; see also 1 Cor 12:10, 28-29; 14:1-5, 22-24, 29-32, 39; cp. Acts 13:1; 19:6; 21:9-10). In both the Old Testament and New Testament, prophets are not primarily predictors of the future but are empowered to speak a message from God (see 1 Cor 12:10). • The church is built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets (or on the foundation laid by the apostles and prophets)—that is, on their faithful witness to the saving message of Christ (see Rev 21:14; cp. Matt 16:18). However, the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself, the Messiah, Savior, and Lord (cp. 1 Cor 3:11). The cornerstone is the most important stone in a building’s foundation (see Isa 28:16; Mark 12:10; Acts 4:11; 1 Pet 2:6-7).
Ephesians 2:20
Christ Our Cornerstone
19Therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household,20built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone.21In Him the whole building is fitted together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
True and False Prophets - Part 1
By Art Katz4.3K1:12:36False ProphetsPSA 119:105MAT 6:33JHN 1:1EPH 2:202TI 3:161PE 2:211PE 4:12In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of listening to and meditating on the word of God. They encourage the audience to make use of cassette tapes and technology to revisit and reflect on the message. The speaker also highlights the need for training and preparation in order to be ready for God's work. They stress the significance of seeking God in the quiet place and being obedient to His counsel. Additionally, the speaker discusses the relevance of true propheticness in the current times and the challenges that come with it. They call for a willingness to bear the pain and humiliation that may arise from a life of obedience. The sermon concludes with a plea for the restoration of the Apostles and Prophets in the Church and the importance of communicating God's truth to the world.
Fren-12 Apostolic Foundations - Paul at Athens
By Art Katz3.1K1:02:43Apostle PaulMAT 6:33ACT 16:22ACT 17:14ACT 17:24EPH 2:20In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of a challenging and uninspiring meeting he had to participate in. Despite feeling tired and lacking a message, he prays for a woman who then sits in the front row. The speaker emphasizes the importance of the resurrection and trusting God in difficult moments. He highlights the eternal consequences of the word being spoken and urges the audience to see the night as God sees it. The speaker also emphasizes the need to become living testimonies of the message, rather than just speaking correct words. He encourages the audience to immerse themselves in the apostolic scriptures and make them the foundation of their reality. The sermon concludes with a reminder that we are of divine descent and should not worship idols, as God has revealed himself to us and calls us to repentance.
The True Church (Reading)
By J.C. Ryle1.7K1:01:31MAT 6:33MAT 16:18ROM 8:92CO 13:5EPH 2:201TI 1:15HEB 10:25In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the church of Jesus Christ as the foundation that will endure forever. He highlights the ongoing conflict and opposition faced by the true church from the devil, who hates it passionately. Despite persecution and attempts to destroy it, the church has always prevailed and will continue to do so. The preacher assures the listeners that Christ will never be without a witness in the world, and that every member of his army will be accounted for in the end.
Ye Are Come to Zion - Part 4
By T. Austin-Sparks1.7K51:41ZionMAT 6:33ACT 19:9EPH 2:20HEB 12:221PE 2:6REV 1:20In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of truly knowing and experiencing God for ourselves. He highlights the danger of relying on others for our spiritual understanding and warns against being deceived by false teachings or disappointed by human leaders. The speaker references the Book of Revelation and the concept of God shaking everything that can be shaken to reveal the true depth of our faith. He encourages listeners to have a personal relationship with God and to stand firm in their faith, regardless of external circumstances.
The Church - Part 5
By Les Wheeldon1.5K1:06:55Church1KI 18:31MAT 6:33JHN 1:1ACT 1:14ACT 2:47ACT 16:18EPH 2:20In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of responding to the witness of the Holy Spirit. He acknowledges that it is not wrong to have normal entertainment and relaxation in life, but warns against the sin of not heeding the Holy Spirit's prompting. The speaker highlights the significance of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, which was prophesied by Jesus and fulfilled in the early church. He emphasizes that true repentance involves not just feeling sorry for specific actions, but also a change in one's entire way of living. The sermon emphasizes the need to recognize the cost of the Holy Spirit's outpouring and respond with gratitude and a desire for transformation.
Studies in Romans-10
By William MacDonald1.3K22:35StudiesROM 15:14ROM 15:16EPH 2:20EPH 3:5EPH 4:6EPH 6:19In this sermon, G. Campbell Morgan emphasizes the profound impact of preaching the gospel. He highlights that every soul that is saved through the preaching of the gospel is not only brought into a place of safety and blessing, but also becomes an offering to God, bringing Him satisfaction. The preacher's role is not to boast in their own accomplishments, but to recognize that it is God working through them to accomplish His purposes. Paul's ministry serves as an example, as he acknowledges that it is God who confirmed his message through miracles and various manifestations of the Spirit's power. The sermon also includes a warning against ungodly teachers who may try to deceive and destroy the faith of believers.
Who Can Stand Against Us (Tamil)
By Zac Poonen1.2K1:01:18GEN 2:18LEV 19:32MAT 16:18EPH 2:20JAS 2:51PE 2:17This sermon emphasizes the importance of building God's church, drawing parallels between Noah building the ark and believers building the church today. It encourages believers to be like Noah and his wife, wholeheartedly committed to serving God by actively participating in building the church and supporting fellow believers. The sermon highlights the need to honor all individuals, cooperate with Jesus in His work, and avoid destructive criticism within the church.
Studies in Ephesians - Part 2
By William MacDonald1.1K43:02StudiesEPH 2:8EPH 2:11EPH 2:20HEB 2:1In this sermon on Hebrews chapter 2, the preacher emphasizes the importance of paying close attention to the word of God. He highlights the consequences of neglecting the message spoken by angels, which refers to the giving of the Ten Commandments. The preacher then discusses the transforming power of God, explaining how He moves from a focus on the law to a focus on life. The sermon also explores the concept of distance to nearness, illustrating how through Christ, Gentiles who were once far off are now brought near to God. The preacher concludes by emphasizing the authenticity of the message preached by the early witnesses, which was confirmed through miraculous signs and wonders.
Paul Before Agrippa - Part 3
By Joshua Daniel1.0K09:38PSA 18:2PSA 107:20ACT 1:8EPH 2:202TI 4:17This sermon emphasizes the importance of standing on a firm foundation in Christ, contrasting the uncertainty of walking on thin ice with the assurance and support found in Jesus. It highlights the testimony of St. Paul, the forgiveness of sins through Christ, and the historical impact of Christ's birth on societal practices like cannibalism and cruelty. The message calls for believers to be witnesses for Christ in a world plagued by increasing crime and disorder, challenging them to move beyond comfort and engage in true missionary work.
Fulness: In the New Jerusalem
By Stephen Kaung9781:02:53EPH 2:20REV 21:1REV 22:20In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that God's will is being fulfilled in time, despite occasional setbacks. The work of redemption was completed through Jesus' crucifixion and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The speaker highlights the goal of believers to cooperate with the Holy Spirit, deny themselves, and follow Jesus. The sermon concludes with a call to worship God and a prayer for a deeper understanding of the vision of the New Jerusalem.
Debate: How the Solemn League & Covenant Binds the Usa, Canada, Australia, etc., Today (1/3)
By Greg Barrow8631:25:44EXO 20:7JER 6:16EPH 2:20In this sermon, the speaker addresses Mr. Bacon's accusations regarding the binding nature of the solemn covenant. The speaker follows a structured format to establish the original intent of both the national and solemn covenants as everlasting commitments. The purpose of these covenants is to glorify God and preserve the true church. The speaker also discusses the parties involved in these covenants, including Canada and the United States.
Hebron Silver Jubilee - Part 3
By Bakht Singh61557:22HebronMRK 16:15ACT 1:8ACT 2:411CO 2:5EPH 2:20EPH 3:10HEB 11:6In this sermon, the speaker shares about their experience of God's faithfulness over the past 25 years. They mention engaging double-decker buses from both sides, which seems to be a metaphor for facing challenges and obstacles. The speaker expresses gratitude for God's abundant grace and unchanging love. They emphasize the importance of worship, prayer, and thanksgiving as a way to honor and serve God.
(Christian History) 2. the Spread of the Gospel & the Apologists
By David Guzik49800:00ACT 12:1EPH 2:20In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of understanding the different levels of meaning in Scripture. He explains that Scripture has a primary sense, which is the literal meaning, but also deeper spiritual meanings. The speaker emphasizes the need to look beyond the surface level and seek the spiritual truths in the Bible. He also mentions that during the early spread of the gospel, much of the missionary effort was not deliberate, but rather through the personal lives of Christians.
The Making of the Master's Men
By Victor Maxwell0MAT 10:1JHN 15:16ACT 1:8EPH 2:20COL 1:6REV 2:10REV 21:14Victor Maxwell preaches on 'Men the Master Made', focusing on the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus and their transformation from common, imperfect men to chosen, changed men who became Christ's representatives with a worldwide commission. The sermon highlights the unique qualities and martyrdom of each apostle, emphasizing their faith, obedience, and willingness to sacrifice for the cause of Christ.
Epistle 337
By George Fox0GEN 3:152SA 22:3PSA 2:1PSA 18:2DAN 2:31MAT 7:24MRK 16:15JHN 1:29JHN 16:33EPH 2:20EPH 4:10COL 1:16REV 13:8REV 14:6REV 21:6George Fox preaches about the foundation of faith in Christ, who is the horn of salvation and the rock to build upon, overcoming the world and ascending above all powers and dominions. He emphasizes the shaking down of false religions and the establishment of Christ as the everlasting foundation. Fox urges believers to spread the everlasting gospel to all nations, bringing life and immortality to light again, leading people to the heavenly Jerusalem and the waters of life.
Needs of the Times
By J.C. Ryle0ROM 12:101CO 3:9GAL 5:13EPH 2:20PHP 2:3COL 3:131TH 5:11JAS 5:16Alexander Maclean preaches on the concept of edification, emphasizing the importance of self-edification, united edification, and divine edification in the Christian life. Self-edification involves building up one's character on the foundation of Jesus Christ, with faith as the cornerstone, continuous effort, orderly progression, and a clear plan for growth. United edification stresses the reciprocal building up of the Christian community, both in adding new members and in fostering unity and growth among believers. Divine edification highlights God as the ultimate Builder of believers into a temple fit for His dwelling, inspiring boundless hope and confidence in His work within us.
Spiritual Fruit
By Denis Lyle01CO 13:8EPH 2:202PE 1:20JUD 1:3REV 22:18Denis Lyle addresses the issue of whether the Bible is enough or if more is needed, focusing on the dangers of seeking extra-biblical revelations and the undermining of the authority of Scripture. He highlights examples of individuals like Oral Roberts, Kenneth Hagin, and various cults who claim to receive special revelations, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the Bible as the complete and final revelation from God. Lyle asserts that special revelations were continual in the past but are now unnecessary as the Bible is complete, efficacious, and authoritative, warning against the dangers of seeking new revelations that can lead to error and fanaticism.
I Am the Vine
By St. Cyril of Alexandria0JHN 15:51CO 6:17GAL 5:22EPH 2:201JN 4:13St. Cyril of Alexandria preaches on the profound union between Christ and believers, likening it to the relationship between a vine and its branches. He emphasizes the importance of remaining in Christ's love and receiving the Holy Spirit as the bond of union. Through faith and the grace of God, believers are united with Christ, sharing in His nature and becoming one spirit with Him. Just as branches draw nourishment from the vine, Christians draw life from Christ to bear the fruit of a new life founded on faith and love, guided by the Holy Spirit.
The Chief Cornerstone
By G.W. North0The Role of Prophets in the ChurchThe Gift of ProphecyJER 1:5AMO 3:7ACT 2:171CO 12:281CO 14:1EPH 2:201TH 5:20HEB 1:12PE 1:21REV 19:10G.W. North emphasizes the significance of the gift of Prophecy within the Church, highlighting its esteemed position as second only to the apostles. He explains that the Church is built on the foundation of apostles and prophets, with Jesus Christ as the chief cornerstone. North points out that the title 'Prophet' is derived solely from the gift of Prophecy, underscoring its importance over other gifts. He illustrates this by referencing Elijah, who, despite performing miracles, was recognized primarily as a prophet. Ultimately, North encourages believers to seek the gift of Prophecy as the most valuable tool for communicating God's word.
Matt. 16:13-20. He Pronounces a Blessing Upon Peter.
By Favell Lee Mortimer0MAT 16:13MAT 16:18JHN 20:22ACT 4:111CO 3:112CO 4:6EPH 2:201PE 2:4Favell Lee Mortimer delves into a sacred moment of Jesus and His disciples in Caesarea Philippi, where Jesus commends Peter for his bold confession of faith that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. Mortimer emphasizes that true faith in Christ comes from God alone and is the foundation of salvation. The sermon explores the significance of Christ as the eternal rock on which the church is built, protected from the powers of darkness. It also highlights how Jesus entrusted His apostles, including Peter, with the keys of the kingdom of heaven, symbolizing their authority to proclaim the Gospel and forgive sins.
The Church--Its Identity
By Benjamin Franklin0MAT 16:18JHN 14:6ACT 2:47ACT 4:121CO 1:101CO 3:11EPH 2:20COL 1:181TI 3:152TI 3:16Benjamin Franklin preaches about the true identity of the Church, emphasizing that the community referred to as 'my Church' by Jesus is often misunderstood and spoken against by those outside of it. He delves into the importance of being part of the body of Christ, highlighting that to be in the Church is to be in Christ, in a justified and pardoned state, enjoying the benefits of His sacrifice and presence. Franklin stresses the significance of being founded on the right foundation, established in the right place and time, and following the law given by Jesus, the head of the Church. He challenges the notion of successions in churches, advocating for a return to the original teachings, worship, and authority of Christ.
(Reformers and Their Stepchildren) Winckler! - Part 2
By Leonard Verduin0JHN 18:20ACT 5:29ROM 12:21CO 3:11GAL 1:10EPH 2:201TI 2:1JAS 4:41PE 2:5Leonard Verduin delves into the historical struggles faced by early Christians, 'heretics,' Waldensians, and Reformers in maintaining their faith and gatherings amidst opposition from the Church and authorities. The sermon highlights the challenges of secrecy, persecution, and the clash between different religious ideologies, particularly regarding the establishment of public cults and the role of civil rulers in religious matters. Verduin emphasizes the importance of staying true to one's beliefs, even in the face of adversity and the temptation to conform to societal norms, drawing parallels between past struggles and the ongoing quest for religious freedom and authenticity.
Apostolic and Prophetic Foundations
By Art Katz0Prophetic FoundationsApostolic LeadershipEXO 20:21EXO 24:12EXO 32:1EXO 32:6EXO 34:15PSA 65:4EPH 2:20REV 2:2Art Katz emphasizes the urgent need for apostolic and prophetic foundations in the church as it faces unprecedented challenges and uncertainties. He reflects on the fading enthusiasm of past movements and the necessity for true leaders who have communed with God, like Moses on the mountain, to guide the church. Katz warns against self-appointed leaders who lack divine commissioning and stresses the importance of a genuine fear of God that comes from deep communion with Him. He calls for a new generation of leaders who can navigate the tension between the glory of God and the failures of His people, ultimately desiring to see God's glory manifested in the church. The sermon serves as a clarion call for authentic spiritual leadership rooted in divine revelation.
Vocational Union
By T. Austin-Sparks0The Church as God's HouseUnion with ChristMAT 16:18EPH 2:20HEB 3:4T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the concept of the church as a 'house' built by Christ, highlighting our union with Him as living stones that form a spiritual house. He explains that this house serves a divine purpose: to make God's presence available to humanity, and that true worship recognizes God's rights within this temple. Sparks urges believers to understand their identity as part of God's household, which requires purity, love, and loyalty among its members. He concludes by stressing the importance of stewardship and the need for a heavenly order within the church, where every member plays a role in ministering God's grace.
Take Root Downward
By Dick Brogden02KI 19:30JHN 15:4EPH 2:20COL 2:61PE 2:5Dick Brogden emphasizes that it is Jesus who builds His Church, not missionaries, money, programs, methods, indigenous leaders, miracles, or even prayer. When we try to build the Church, we build it to defend, but when Jesus builds His Church, He builds it to attack the gates of hell. Church planters are reminded to stop trying to build the Church themselves and instead focus on abiding in Jesus, allowing Him to shape and use them as living stones in His grand design.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And are built upon the foundation - Following the same metaphor, comparing the Church of Christ to a city, and to the temple, the believing Ephesians are represented as parts of that building; the living stones out of which it is principally formed, Pe1 2:4, Pe1 2:5, having for foundation - the ground plan, specification, and principle on which it was builded, the doctrine taught by the prophets in the Old Testament, and the apostles in the New. Jesus Christ being that corner stone, or ακρογωνιαιος, the chief angle or foundation corner stone, the connecting medium by which both Jews and Gentiles were united in the same building. Elsewhere Jesus Christ is termed the foundation stone. Behold I lay in Zion a foundation stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, Isa 28:16; but the meaning is the same in all the places where these terms, foundation and corner stone, occur; for in laying the foundation of a building, a large stone is generally placed at one of the angles or corners, which serves to form a part of the two walls which meet in that angle. When, therefore, the apostle says that Jesus Christ is the chief corner stone, it means such a foundation stone as that above mentioned.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Translate as Greek, "Built up upon," &c. (participle; having been built up upon; omit, therefore, "and are"). Compare Co1 3:11-12. The same image in Eph 3:18, recurs in his address to the Ephesian elders (Act 20:32), and in his Epistle to Timothy at Ephesus (Ti1 3:15; Ti2 2:19), naturally suggested by the splendid architecture of Diana's temple; the glory of the Christian temple is eternal and real, not mere idolatrous gaud. The image of a building is appropriate also to the Jew-Christians; as the temple at Jerusalem was the stronghold of Judaism; as Diana's temple, of paganism. foundation of the apostles, &c.--that is, upon their ministry and living example (compare Mat 16:18). Christ Himself, the only true Foundation, was the grand subject of their ministry, and spring of their life. As one with Him and His fellow workers, they, too, in a secondary sense, are called "foundations" (Rev 21:14). The "prophets" are joined with them closely; for the expression is here not "foundations of the apostles and the prophets," but "foundations of the apostles and prophets." For the doctrine of both was essentially one (Pe1 1:10-11; Rev 19:10). The apostles take the precedency (Luk 10:24). Thus he appropriately shows regard to the claims of the Jews and Gentiles: "the prophets" representing the old Jewish dispensation, "the apostles" the new. The "prophets" of the new also are included. BENGEL and ALFORD refer the meaning solely to these (Eph 3:5; Eph 4:11). These passages imply, I think, that the New Testament prophets are not excluded; but the apostle's plain reference to Psa 118:22, "the head stone of the corner," proves that the Old Testament prophets are a prominent thought. David is called a "prophet" in Act 2:30. Compare also Isa 28:16; another prophet present to the mind of Paul, which prophecy leans on the earlier one of Jacob (Gen 49:24). The sense of the context, too, suits this: Ye were once aliens from the commonwealth of Israel (in the time of her Old Testament prophets), but now ye are members of the true Israel, built upon the foundation of her New Testament apostles and Old Testament prophets. Paul continually identifies his teaching with that of Israel's old prophets (Act 26:22; Act 28:23). The costly foundation-stones of the temple (Kg1 5:17) typified the same truth (compare Jer 51:26). The same stone is at once the corner-stone and the foundation-stone on which the whole building rests. Paul supposes a stone or rock so large and so fashioned as to be both at once; supporting the whole as the foundation, and in part rising up at the extremities, so as to admit of the side walls meeting in it, and being united in it as the corner-stone [ZANCHIUS]. As the corner-stone, it is conspicuous, as was Christ (Pe1 2:6), and coming in men's way may be stumbled over, as the Jews did at Christ (Mat 21:42; Pe1 2:7).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets,.... The prophets of the Old Testament, and the apostles of the New, who agree in laying ministerially the one and only foundation, Jesus Christ; for not the persons of the apostles and prophets, nor their doctrines merely, are here meant; but Christ who is contained in them, and who is the foundation on which the church, and all true believers are built: he is the foundation of the covenant of grace, of all the blessings and promises of it, of faith and hope, of peace, joy, and comfort, of salvation and eternal happiness; on this foundation the saints are built by Father, Son, and Spirit, as the efficient causes, and by the ministers of the Gospel as instruments: these lie in the same common quarry with the rest of mankind, and are singled out from thence by efficacious grace; they are broken and hewn by the word and ministers of it, as means; and are ministerially laid on Christ the foundation, and are built up thereon in faith and holiness; yea, private Christians are useful this way to build up one another: Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; which cements and knits together angels and men, Jews and Gentiles, Old and New Testament saints, saints above, and saints below, saints on earth, in all ages and places, and of every denomination; and which is the beauty and glory, as well as the strength of the building, which keeps all together; and Christ is the chief, the headstone of the corner, and who is superior to angels and men. This phrase is used by the Jews to denote excellency in a person; so a wise scholar is called , "a cornerstone"; (i) see Psa 118:22. It may be rendered, "the chief cornering-stone"; it being such an one that is a foundation stone, as well as a cornerstone; and reached unto, and lay at the bottom of, and supported the four corners of the building; for the foundation and corner stone in this spiritual building, is one and the same stone, Christ: it is said of the temple of Latona, at Buto, in Egypt, that it was made, "of one stone", as Herodotus (k) an eyewitness of it, attests. (i) Abot R. Nathan, c. 28. (k) Euterpe, c. 155.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:20 Apostles are missionary evangelists commissioned by God. • Here, the prophets appear to be New Testament prophets, not Old Testament ones (see 3:5; 4:11; see also 1 Cor 12:10, 28-29; 14:1-5, 22-24, 29-32, 39; cp. Acts 13:1; 19:6; 21:9-10). In both the Old Testament and New Testament, prophets are not primarily predictors of the future but are empowered to speak a message from God (see 1 Cor 12:10). • The church is built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets (or on the foundation laid by the apostles and prophets)—that is, on their faithful witness to the saving message of Christ (see Rev 21:14; cp. Matt 16:18). However, the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself, the Messiah, Savior, and Lord (cp. 1 Cor 3:11). The cornerstone is the most important stone in a building’s foundation (see Isa 28:16; Mark 12:10; Acts 4:11; 1 Pet 2:6-7).