EPHESIANS 2:19-22

 

Rocks or stones are used as metaphors throughout the Bible. Now symbols don't have to always stand 

for the same things. However, look at some of the verses below, and I think you will see a fairly 

consistent story emerging.

Psalms 118:22-23: In the original context, this referred to David himself. NT writers treated it in a 

messianic manner and six times use this passage to apply to Jesus as the son of David. Look at Luke 

20:17-19 as one example – there are two aspects of this stone, either as a foundation of something or a 

cause of destruction. This last picture may come from the vision in Daniel where a rock comes out of 

nowhere to destroy pagan civilizations.

A similar OT text is Isaiah 28:16 – the exact identification of the foundation is disputed, but it boils 

down to a belief and trust in God.

WHAT IS A CORNERSTONE? The Greek word translated “cornerstone” can actually apply to any 

stone that joins two rows of stones together, specifically a stone at the corner of a foundation or a 

keystone on top of an arch.

The complete picture is given in Ephesians 2:19-22. We are a building with apostles and prophets as 

the foundation, Christ as the cornerstone, and believers as the house of God. These components are 

confirmed elsewhere in the NT.

A. Peter’s great confession, “You are the Christ” is followed by Jesus saying “On this rock I will build 

my church.” Most Protestants take the foundation rock to be the confession of faith in Christ or Christ 

himself.

B. In I Corinthians 3:10-15, Paul compares his missionary efforts among the Gentiles with the building 

of a foundation based on Christ. Others after him will complete the house itself.

C. In Galatians 2:9, Paul refers to James, Peter and John as reputed pillars of the church.

D. I Peter 2:4-5 says that believers are living stones built into a spiritual house.

Edification and edifice come from the same Greek root meaning “to build up.” Paul tells us to build up 

one another. You can only see your true intended shape and purpose within a Christian community. 

Parallel to this thought in Paul's writings is his other analogy for the church, a body. This is especially 

seen in his enumeration of the spiritual gifts in I Corinthians 12.

WHAT KIND OF A BUILDING DO WE MAKE UP?

Read the rest of the Ephesians passage: Ephesians 2:21-22. Other passages with the same idea:

A. I Corinthians 3:16-17 Christians (plural) as a temple

B. 2 Corinthians 6:16 We are the temple of God.

HOW DOES PSALM 23 END?: “And I will live in the house of the Lord (i.e. the temple) forever.” 

Christians go that one better; we are the house of the Lord.

Isaiah 51:1-2 “Look to the rock from which you were hewn.” One commentator pointed out that  

Abraham was asked by God to look in faith to the future of uncounted descendants that God had 

promised. In this verse, a later generation of Jews is asked to look backward to the humble beginnings

of their nation. If God lived up to his promises in the past, one can have faith that he will deliver his 

people in the future.