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Ephesians 2:20
“. . . Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone.”
Various metaphors are used in the Scriptures for our Lord Jesus Christ, comparing Him to other things so that we might have a clearer understanding of His person and work. These include architectural metaphors, such as Jesus’ calling Himself God’s temple (John 2:13–22). Ephesians 2:20 features another architectural metaphor, wherein Paul writes of Jesus’ “being the cornerstone” of the church.
Commentators disagree over whether the cornerstone referred to here is the first foundation stone of the building or the final stone placed on top that joins walls together. Many scholars argue that we should read it as the first foundation stone because in context, Paul is talking about the foundation of the church, referring to the Apostles and prophets (v. 20). Others favor the view that it is the final top stone because that would give Christ an exalted place in the church as its Head, a theme that Paul also presents in Ephesians (see 1:22).
In reality, we probably do not need to choose one of these options at the expense of the other. In the ancient world, the cornerstone of a building provided stability to the structure and was the standard against which all the other stones were measured to keep everything in perfect alignment. As believers are built into a living temple in Christ (1 Peter 2:4–8), we need a cornerstone to anchor and align us. Christ is that cornerstone, and we must conform to Him to fit rightly with one another as He sanctifies His people according to the will of the Father and by the power of the Holy Spirit.
We have noted that the top stone or capstone in ancient buildings joined walls together, strengthening the whole structure. Our Savior also does this for His church. Ephesians 2:11–22 states that Jesus has broken down the wall of hostility between Jew and gentile, joining them together. Thus, John Calvin comments that “Jews and Gentiles were two separate walls, but are formed into one spiritual building. Christ is placed in the middle of the corner for the purpose of uniting both.” Matthew Henry agrees and adds a comment on our Lord’s role in fortifying His church. He writes, “In [Jesus] both Jews and Gentiles meet, and constitute one church; and Christ supports the building by his strength.”
Coram Deo Living before the face of God
That Jesus is the cornerstone of the church reminds us that our Savior did not leave His people after purchasing their salvation. He remains active in His church, serving as its foundational stone to stabilize the whole and as its capstone to unite us and strengthen us for ministry. At times, the church may not seem very stable, but Christ is holding His people together and working to perfect His people according to God’s sovereign plan.
For further study
- Psalm 118:22–23
- Isaiah 28:16
- Matthew 21:33–46
- Acts 4:8–12
The bible in a year
- Psalms 75–77
- Romans 6