built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.
Ephesians 2:20-22 (ESV)
What is the relationship between Jews and Gentiles within the body of Christ, the people of God? Paul makes it clear in Ephesians 2:11-22 that there is no distinction. What Christ has done removed the barrier between us. Jew and Gentile alike “are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God” (Eph. 2:19).
And as fellow citizens and members of God’s household, we are growing into a holy temple in the Lord, a dwelling place for God. Paul used architectural language for the church in other places, most notably in 1 Corinthians 3:10-15, identifying himself as one who lays a foundation.
Here, he describes the church as a building built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets. These were foundational roles that Jesus used to establish his church. And today, we build on that foundation they established. Their teachings serve as the blueprints for building Christ’s church.
And Jesus is described here as the cornerstone. A cornerstone today is little more than a memorial stone. But when this was written, the cornerstone was the first stone placed in the foundation. It provided a reference for all the other stones in the foundation and the building as it rose. Jesus is more important than any other in the establishment and growth of his church. The church builds correctly only when aligned with him.
What is this building that is established on the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Jesus as the cornerstone? Paul identifies it as a holy temple, the dwelling place of God. God symbolically dwelt within the holy of holies in the Tabernacle and Temple in Jerusalem. But in the temple made up of his people, the church, he dwells, in reality, through his Holy Spirit.
