Ephesians 2:19-22 (WEL) Now therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and God’s household. 20 Having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the cornerstone, 21 In whom the whole building expertly framed together grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 And in whom you are also being built together for a living place for God through the Spirit.
V19 Now therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and God’s household.
God’s household are those humans who have faith in God like Abraham, etc. Before the earthly ministry of the Lord Jesus, it was primarily ethnic Jews. Now that the Gospel is officially for all, we Gentiles are grafted into God’s household. See Romans 11:17-20, Acts 8:14-17, and Acts 10:44-48.
V20 Having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the cornerstone,
The church (New Testament believers who are ethnic Jews and Gentiles) is compared to an edifice. In other places, it is compared to other things. All of which are illustrative of the unity of believers. The Holy Spirit indwells believers (1 Corinthians 6:19 and 2 Corinthians 6:16). God’s temple now in heaven is where God dwells (Revelation 7:15, Revelation 11:19, and Revelation 15:5-8). Since where God dwells is his building, temple, etc., the church is indwelt by the Holy Spirit (1 Peter 2:5). The foundation for the building in the Apostles of Jesus Christ, the 12 plus Paul, and the prophets/prophetesses (1 Corinthians 12:28 and Acts 21:28).
A cornerstone was a perfectly worked stone that has 90-degree angles in every dimension to ensure that the walls are square, aligned with each other, and 90 degrees vertical. The chief cornerstone was the stone which aligned the other cornerstones.
The foundation itself is built on another foundation, Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11). From Pulpit commentary: “The stone which the builders rejected is become the headstone of the corner;” i.e. the stone which, being placed in the corner, determined the lines of the whole building. The idea of foundation is that of support; the idea of the chief cornerstone is that of regulation, pattern-hood, producing assimilation. Jesus is not only the Origin, Foundation, Support of the Church, but he gives it its shape and form, he determines the place and the office of each stone, he gives life and character to each member.”
V21 In whom the whole building expertly framed together grows into a holy temple in the Lord.
Growth is not only in numbers but maturity. We need food to grow. The spiritual food we need is to read and study the Bible.
The importance of Jesus Christ cannot be overstated. The building of believers as living stones (1 Peter 2:5) is built on Jesus Christ—His ministry, His teachings, His life, His worldview, His character traits, His priorities, His lifestyle of holiness, His wisdom, etc.
V22 And in whom you are also being built together for a living place for God through the Spirit.
All believers have one cornerstone and first foundation—Jesus Christ. Though every church group, assembly, etc., is separate, we are to be one in Jesus.
Paul is encouraging the people to rejoice that Gentiles are included in God’s plan and blessings.
We learn:
- The importance of Jesus Christ.
- That Jews and Gentiles are one in Jesus.
Questions:
- Are you aware of the importance of Jesus Christ?
- Do you accept ethnic Jews who believe in Jesus to be your brothers and sisters?