"So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit." - Ephesians 2:19-22 (NASB)
In this passage, the author illustrates a powerful metaphor of believers being integrated into a spiritual building. Through faith in Christ, individuals are no longer outsiders, but rather, they become part of God’s family. The imagery of a building constructed on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Jesus as the cornerstone, signifies the unity and stability of the Christian community. Furthermore, the ongoing growth and development of this “holy temple” convey the idea of spiritual maturity and interconnectedness among believers. Ultimately, it emphasizes the wonderful idea of believers becoming a dwelling place for God through the Spirit. This rich symbolism serves as a reminder of the deep relationship and responsibility shared among followers of Christ.
The Gentiles who were once separated (Eph. 2: 11-12) are now fully part of the community of believers. This significant change is clearly explained using four common biblical metaphors. First, they are called fellow citizens, showing that they have the same status and share in the city of God. Second, they are referred to as saints, highlighting their position as a holy nation set apart for God’s purposes. This emphasizes their dedicated and special role in the spiritual realm. Third, they are described as God’s household, indicating their close family relationship with God and other believers. Finally, they are compared to a spiritual building, showing their relationship and role in forming a temple for God. These metaphors not only show that the Gentiles are included, but also emphasize their important role in God’s redemptive plan.
The phrase “having been built upon” is rich with theological and doctrinal implications, particularly in the context of Ephesians. The phrase is an Aorist Passive Participle which signifies a completed action in the past with ongoing results. It emphasizes the firm establishment and unshakable nature of the foundation of our faith. Paul illustrates that the foundation of our faith is rooted in the proclamation of God’s good news by the Apostles and prophets, and established by the intervention of the Triune God. Therefore, this foundation stands as an enduring and unchanging reality.
One intriguing point for discussion is the interpretation of the term “prophets” in this context. Does it refer to the prophets of the Old Testament, or does it include the prophets of the New Testament, as indicated in Ephesians 3:5 and 4:11? The juxtaposition of the terms “apostles” and “prophets” might imply a reference to the prophets of the New Testament, especially when considering the sequential order in Ephesians 2:20 and 4:11. However, the allusion to the “cornerstone” from the Old Testament also suggests a connection to the prophetic tradition of the Old Testament. If this interpretation is correct, then both the Old and New Testament prophetic traditions played a significant role in establishing the foundation of the Gospel.
The reason why we distinguish between Old Testament (OT) and New Testament (NT) prophets is because of the issue of revelation. In the OT, prophets wrote Scripture, as they were the means through which God revealed inspired teachings. However, in the NT, prophecy is considered an ongoing gift (see 1 Corinthians 12:28 and Ephesians 4:11). This raises the question of whether Scripture writing continues. It’s important to differentiate between the inspiration of the Apostles and OT prophets, and the illumination and spiritual giftedness of NT believers who have received spiritual gifts.
The phrase “The foundation of the apostles and prophets” means the important groundwork created by Jesus for the Gospel. This idea comes from John 2:19-22, which talks about Jesus as the new temple. The Old Testament predicted the coming Kingdom of God, and Jesus, through His Spirit-guided life, sacrifice, and coming back to life, fulfilled this prediction. After that, the Apostles passionately preached about this fulfillment.
The concept of “the cornerstone” and the symbolic representation of “Stone” have a lot of meaning in different religions and cultures. In the Old Testament, God’s attributes like stability, strength, and perseverance are often shown through the metaphorical use of “Rock.” This signifies not only a strong foundation but also an enduring source. These references emphasize the unwavering nature of God’s presence to provide comfort and strength for believers. The symbolic importance of ‘the cornerstone’ and ‘Stone’ as expressed through the Messiah continues to have a strong impact on religious discussions and theological reflections. It provides a central point for contemplation and offers a deep sense of stability and reassurance for those in need of spiritual guidance and strength.
The imagery of Jesus as a stone is significant in biblical literature. In Psalm 118:22, He is referred to as a rejected stone, and in the same verse, as a building stone. This dual portrayal emphasizes both rejection and essentiality, highlighting the paradoxical nature of his role. Additionally, in Isaiah 28:16, Jesus is described as a stone to stumble over, further adding to the complexity of his symbolism.
Moreover, the mention of Jesus as an overcoming and conquering stone in Daniel 2:45 reflects the concept of his kingdom, underscoring the power and authority associated with Him. It is noteworthy how Jesus Himself made use of these passages to depict His identity (see Matthew 21:42, Mark 12:10, and Luke 20:17).
Furthermore, the portrayal of Jesus as the central element overlooked in the Old Testament temple rituals and legalism (see Isaiah 8:14), shows the difference between ritual practices and the spiritual truth represented by Jesus. This difference highlights the radical nature of His teachings and His role in fulfilling God’s plan beyond traditional practices.
Paul, in verse 19, emphasizes the idea that God’s people come together as a group, like a family, a building, or a body. This idea is further explained in verses 21 and 22 where the verbs used have a corporate focus which has the idea of “joint participation with”. And both verbs are Passive which means God continues to develop and expand His church. In 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, Paul also talks about the church as a temple, highlighting the importance of the church as a community. On the other hand, 1 Corinthians 6:16, he shows the individual aspect of the church. Both the community and individual aspects are important for the church, reflecting Jesus as the new temple in John 2:19-22.
The phrase “the whole building” has different versions in Greek manuscripts. Some ancient manuscripts lack the word “the,” while others include it. This raises the question of whether Paul was referring to one large building or several connected smaller buildings. The United Bible Society’s 4th Edition Greek text suggests that the phrase likely refers to a single building. This particular building is still being built and is described as growing, drawing on the imagery of the spiritual temple, which represents the people of God.
Paul ends this section by affirming that God dwells in the midst of His redeemed people. He talks about the idea of a corporate body being God’s home, showing how being united with Christ brings people closer to God. Paul explains how both believing Jews and Gentiles become part of the church and create a place for God. In the past, God’s presence was in the physical temple, but now, under the new covenant, His presence is in the community of believers, leading to a stronger relationship to God. Paul also mentions that God now lives among his people, made possible by the Spirit, who allows God to be present in the community of believers. This active presence of God through the Spirit sets the stage for the instructions on how to live in the latter part of this letter.
THE STONE OF ISRAEL
In ancient times, a stone rejected,
Not fitting in men’s grand design,
The Pharisees, with hearts affected,
Desired a sign, some power divine.
They longed for admiration’s glow,
A mutual pact of high acclaim,
But Christ, the Stone they did not know,
Could not be shaped by worldly aim.
Despite their scorn, He stands secure,
The Stone of Israel, sure and true,
The Foundation we can now procure,
For me, for you, for all that’s due.
In Genesis, this truth abides,
For Israel’s sake it was revealed,
Yet in our hearts, the truth resides,
The Church’s cornerstone, unconcealed.
So let us build on Him alone,
The Stone rejected by mankind,
In Christ, our cornerstone is shown,
The perfect Rock, the one designed.
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