Ephesians 2:21
Verse
Context
Christ Our Cornerstone
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.22And in Him you too are being built together into a dwelling place for God in His Spirit.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
In whom - By which foundation corner stone, Christ Jesus, all the building, composed of converted Jews and Gentiles, fitly framed together, συναρμολογουμενη, properly jointed and connected together, groweth unto a holy temple - is continually increasing, as new converts from Judaism or heathenism flock into it. It is not a finished building, but will continue to increase, and be more and more perfect, till the day of judgment.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
In whom--as holding together the whole. fitly framed--so as exactly to fit together. groweth--"is growing" continually. Here an additional thought is added to the image; the Church has the growth of a living organism, not the mere increase of a building. Compare Pe1 2:5; "lively stones . . . built up a spiritual house." Compare Eph 4:16; Zac 6:12, "The Branch shall build the temple of the Lord," where similarly the growth of a branch, and the building of a temple, are joined. holy--as being the "habitation of God" (Eph 2:22). So "in the Lord" (Christ) answers to "through the Spirit" (Eph 2:22; compare Eph 3:16-17). "Christ is the inclusive Head of all the building, the element in which it has its being and now its growth" [ALFORD].
John Gill Bible Commentary
In whom all the building fitly framed together,.... This building is to be understood of all the saints, and people of God; of the whole universal church, which is God's building; and is a building of a spiritual nature, and will abide for ever: and this is fitly framed together; it consists of various parts, as a building does; some saints are comparable to beams, some to rafters, others to pillars, &c. and these are joined and united to one another, and are set in an exact symmetry and proportion, and in a proper subserviency to each other; and so as to make for the good, the strength, and beauty of the whole. And it all centres in Christ; he has a great concern in this building; he is the master builder, and the foundation and cornerstone; and it being knit together in him, groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: it grows by an accession of new stones, or of souls called by grace, and added to it; for this building is not yet openly and visibly completed, as it will be; in order to which the ministry of the word, and administration of ordinances are continued; and this will be in the latter day, when the number of God's elect, among Jews and Gentiles, shall be gathered in: and this growth may be understood also of an increase of those, who are openly laid in the building; of their spiritual growth into their head, Christ; and of an, increase of grace in them; which the word and ordinances are means of, under a divine blessing: and this building grows unto an "holy temple", the Gospel church state, called a "temple", in allusion to the temple at Jerusalem; whose materials were stones made ready and hewn, before they were brought thither; and whose magnificence, beauty, and glory, were very great; and it was the place of public worship, and of the divine abode, and was a very significant emblem of the church of God; see Co2 6:16, which is an "holy" one, set apart for holy uses, and internally sanctified by the Spirit of God; and which is discovered by external holiness of life, and conversation in the members of it: and this is said to be "in the Lord"; which phrase may refer to the word "groweth", and denotes that growth and increase, both of persons and grace, the church has in, and from the Lord Jesus Christ; or to the word "holy", and intimates, that the holiness of the church, and every member of it, is also in and from the Lord; or to the word "temple", which is built for him to dwell in.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:21 Joined together in Christ, Gentile and Jewish Christians become a holy temple for the Lord, because the Lord himself is among his people (see Matt 18:20; 28:20; 1 Cor 3:16; 1 Pet 2:4-5).
Ephesians 2:21
Christ Our Cornerstone
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.22And in Him you too are being built together into a dwelling place for God in His Spirit.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Mighty Presence of God - Part 2 (Cd Quality)
By T. Austin-Sparks2.5K17:11Presence of God2CO 6:16EPH 2:21In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding God's ways and purposes in our lives. He acknowledges that there are things in us that need to be countered and burned up, but also recognizes that God's grace is at work in us, changing us and increasing our love for Him. The speaker uses the metaphor of furniture being brought into the house of God by an enemy, but God taking action to remove what doesn't belong. He highlights the need for us to align ourselves with God's purpose and be a suitable ground for His full expression. The ultimate goal is for God to be glorified in His people, and this explains why He allows us to go through suffering and discipline.
Pilgrims Problems No. 12 the Great Tribulation
By Willie Mullan1.2K1:00:19The Great TribulationMAT 24:3EPH 2:19EPH 2:211TH 1:51TH 1:9REV 5:9In this sermon, the preacher discusses the opening of the fourth seal in the book of Revelation. The fourth seal reveals a pale horse, symbolizing death, and hell follows with it. The preacher emphasizes the significance of this event, stating that it will bring distress and devastation to a fourth part of the earth. The sermon also mentions the scene in heaven where the Lamb takes the book and the prayers of the saints are represented by the elders.
Revival in the Book of Ezra - Part 1
By Roy Hession98254:01RevivalPSA 102:13DAN 9:3MAT 18:20EPH 2:21In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of God's word being a living and active force. He questions why God would warn the people of Nineveh about their impending destruction and emphasizes the importance of God's word being fulfilled. The speaker then mentions the signs that were present as the seventy years of captivity were coming to an end, with Daniel being a significant figure. The sermon focuses on the last days of Jerusalem and the prophet Jeremiah's warnings that went unheeded, leading to the city's ultimate downfall. The speaker concludes by stating that despite the ruin, God's revival can still occur, and the sermon will explore the process of rebuilding after the destruction.
God's Purpose in the Church
By Paul Ravenhill11245:51God's PurposeSpiritual GrowthChurchEPH 2:21Paul Ravenhill emphasizes God's purpose in the church, highlighting that it is meant to be a habitation of God through the Spirit. He discusses the importance of revelation and spiritual growth, warning against a childish church that seeks signs and wisdom rather than the true essence of Christ. Ravenhill calls for unity in the body of Christ and the need for spiritual maturity, urging believers to move beyond mere knowledge to a deeper participation in God's creative power. He stresses that the church is not just a gathering but a community of called-out individuals who are to manifest God's wisdom and presence in the world.
Church
By John Follette0MAT 16:18ACT 2:42EPH 2:21EPH 4:11John Follette emphasizes the main objective of God's manifestation throughout history, which is the Body of Christ. He highlights the burden of Paul's prayers for the growth and development of believers, focusing on bringing people into salvation and gathering them in the Body of Christ. Follette stresses the importance of Christ being the Head of the Church and the Body, directing all activities and programs from Him. He encourages believers to function as members of the Body, allowing God to work through them for the edification of the Church.
A Jigsaw Puzzle
By T. Austin-Sparks0Purpose and Identity in ChristUnity in the Body of ChristEPH 2:21EPH 4:12T. Austin-Sparks delivers a profound message to young Christians, likening the church to a jigsaw puzzle where each believer is a unique piece that fits into God's grand design. He emphasizes that every individual has a specific place and purpose within the body of Christ, and that true fulfillment comes from recognizing and accepting this role. Sparks highlights the importance of the headship of Christ in aligning believers and fostering unity, asserting that the Holy Spirit guides each person to their rightful position. He encourages Christians to embrace their experiences as part of God's intricate plan, ultimately leading to a complete and beautiful picture of the church. The sermon concludes with the hope that one day, believers will see the full design of God's work in their lives.
Bethel – God’s House
By T. Austin-Sparks0The Nature of God's HouseUnity in the ChurchEPH 2:21T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that the journey to Bethel, the house of God, begins at Gilgal, symbolizing the necessity of the Cross in our spiritual journey. He clarifies that the house of God is not a physical location but rather the church, a holy assembly of believers united in Christ, where true fellowship, love, and life are experienced. Sparks highlights that holiness is not comparative and that the church represents a heavenly reality, reflecting God's presence through unity among its members. He warns against divisions that hinder the church's expression of love and life, urging believers to recognize their collective identity as the body of Christ. Ultimately, the path to experiencing the fullness of God requires a commitment to unity and the rejection of earthly distractions.
Concerning the Church, or Church State Under the Gospel
By Isaac Penington0MAT 25:40JHN 7:38JHN 10:27EPH 2:212TH 2:32TI 3:1HEB 12:22REV 2:9REV 12:11REV 18:3Isaac Penington preaches about the state of the church under the gospel, highlighting the apostasy from truth that has covered the Earth for ages. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing Christ in his suffering members and the eternal judgment based on how individuals treat them. Penington urges believers to discern the true church by abiding in the Spirit, ministering to Christ in others, and avoiding falling away from the faith. He warns against false prophets and antichrists who deceive many and corrupt the church, ultimately leading to its desolation.
Purpose to Glorify God
By Dwight Pentecost0Glorifying GodTransformationJHN 1:14EPH 2:21Dwight Pentecost emphasizes the theme of glorifying God throughout Scripture, illustrating how God transforms humble beings into instruments of His glory, as seen in the life of Moses. He highlights that the ultimate manifestation of God's glory came through Jesus Christ, who embodied grace and truth. After Christ's ascension, believers are called to be vessels of God's glory through the Holy Spirit, bringing praise to Him. Pentecost also points to the future hope of glory when Christ returns, transforming believers into glorified beings. The central message is that our lives should be dedicated to glorifying God in all circumstances.
Gatherings of Assembly Character
By H.J. Vine0MAT 16:18MAT 18:201CO 1:91CO 3:111CO 10:17EPH 2:21EPH 4:16HEB 10:25HEB 13:15REV 22:16H.J. Vine preaches about the importance of maintaining gatherings of an assembly character, emphasizing the dangers of being carried to extremes during seasons of revival and the need to stay grounded in the faith. He highlights the significance of understanding the present truth of Christ and the assembly, and the ongoing construction of the assembly as the bride of Christ. Vine stresses the value of these gatherings for both believers and God, as they lead to spiritual growth, edification, and preparation for the glorious return of Jesus Christ.
Christ Is All
By J.C. Ryle0MAT 24:1ROM 14:191CO 3:9EPH 2:21EPH 4:12EPH 4:16EPH 4:29Alexander Maclaren preaches on the concept of 'Building' (oikodome) as both a literal and metaphorical term, emphasizing the process of construction and edification. In Ephesians 2:21, oikodome symbolizes the church as a dwelling place for God's presence, highlighting spiritual strengthening and growth. The metaphor of building extends to various aspects including physical bodies, spiritual growth, and the collective body of Christ, stressing the importance of edifying one another. The word group of oikodome is used both literally and figuratively, illustrating the strengthening effect of teaching and example on individuals and the church as a whole.
The Church
By F.B. Meyer0The Nature of the ChurchUnity in ChristGEN 2:18JHN 17:221CO 12:12EPH 1:22EPH 2:21EPH 3:10EPH 3:21EPH 4:4EPH 5:23EPH 5:32F.B. Meyer emphasizes the profound nature of the Church as depicted in Ephesians, portraying it as the mystical body of Christ, where He is the head and believers are the members. He illustrates that the Church is not merely a collection of congregations but a unified entity destined for glory, reflecting God's wisdom and purpose. Meyer highlights the Church's role as a building for God, constructed on the foundation of Christ, and stresses the importance of obedience to Christ's commands. He concludes by affirming the Church's ultimate purpose is to glorify God, united in love and purpose, akin to the relationship between Christ and His bride.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
In whom - By which foundation corner stone, Christ Jesus, all the building, composed of converted Jews and Gentiles, fitly framed together, συναρμολογουμενη, properly jointed and connected together, groweth unto a holy temple - is continually increasing, as new converts from Judaism or heathenism flock into it. It is not a finished building, but will continue to increase, and be more and more perfect, till the day of judgment.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
In whom--as holding together the whole. fitly framed--so as exactly to fit together. groweth--"is growing" continually. Here an additional thought is added to the image; the Church has the growth of a living organism, not the mere increase of a building. Compare Pe1 2:5; "lively stones . . . built up a spiritual house." Compare Eph 4:16; Zac 6:12, "The Branch shall build the temple of the Lord," where similarly the growth of a branch, and the building of a temple, are joined. holy--as being the "habitation of God" (Eph 2:22). So "in the Lord" (Christ) answers to "through the Spirit" (Eph 2:22; compare Eph 3:16-17). "Christ is the inclusive Head of all the building, the element in which it has its being and now its growth" [ALFORD].
John Gill Bible Commentary
In whom all the building fitly framed together,.... This building is to be understood of all the saints, and people of God; of the whole universal church, which is God's building; and is a building of a spiritual nature, and will abide for ever: and this is fitly framed together; it consists of various parts, as a building does; some saints are comparable to beams, some to rafters, others to pillars, &c. and these are joined and united to one another, and are set in an exact symmetry and proportion, and in a proper subserviency to each other; and so as to make for the good, the strength, and beauty of the whole. And it all centres in Christ; he has a great concern in this building; he is the master builder, and the foundation and cornerstone; and it being knit together in him, groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: it grows by an accession of new stones, or of souls called by grace, and added to it; for this building is not yet openly and visibly completed, as it will be; in order to which the ministry of the word, and administration of ordinances are continued; and this will be in the latter day, when the number of God's elect, among Jews and Gentiles, shall be gathered in: and this growth may be understood also of an increase of those, who are openly laid in the building; of their spiritual growth into their head, Christ; and of an, increase of grace in them; which the word and ordinances are means of, under a divine blessing: and this building grows unto an "holy temple", the Gospel church state, called a "temple", in allusion to the temple at Jerusalem; whose materials were stones made ready and hewn, before they were brought thither; and whose magnificence, beauty, and glory, were very great; and it was the place of public worship, and of the divine abode, and was a very significant emblem of the church of God; see Co2 6:16, which is an "holy" one, set apart for holy uses, and internally sanctified by the Spirit of God; and which is discovered by external holiness of life, and conversation in the members of it: and this is said to be "in the Lord"; which phrase may refer to the word "groweth", and denotes that growth and increase, both of persons and grace, the church has in, and from the Lord Jesus Christ; or to the word "holy", and intimates, that the holiness of the church, and every member of it, is also in and from the Lord; or to the word "temple", which is built for him to dwell in.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:21 Joined together in Christ, Gentile and Jewish Christians become a holy temple for the Lord, because the Lord himself is among his people (see Matt 18:20; 28:20; 1 Cor 3:16; 1 Pet 2:4-5).