CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Ephesians 2:20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ephesians/2-20.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/49_Eph_02_20.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ephesians 2:20 - A Temple in the Lord" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/ephesians/2-20.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/ephesians/2-20.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/ephesians/">Ephesians</a> > <a href="/ephesians/2.htm">Chapter 2</a> > Verse 20</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad20.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/ephesians/2-19.htm" title="Ephesians 2:19">◄</a> Ephesians 2:20 <a href="/ephesians/2-21.htm" title="Ephesians 2:21">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/ephesians/2.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/ephesians/2.htm">New International Version</a> built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. <a href="/nlt/ephesians/2.htm">New Living Translation</a> Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself. <a href="/esv/ephesians/2.htm">English Standard Version</a> built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, <a href="/bsb/ephesians/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone. <a href="/blb/ephesians/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> having been built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone, <a href="/kjv/ephesians/2.htm">King James Bible</a> And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; <a href="/nkjv/ephesians/2.htm">New King James Version</a> having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, <a href="/nasb_/ephesians/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone, <a href="/nasb/ephesians/2.htm">NASB 1995</a> having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, <a href="/nasb77/ephesians/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a> having been built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, <a href="/lsb/ephesians/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, <a href="/amp/ephesians/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a> having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the [chief] Cornerstone, <a href="/csb/ephesians/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. <a href="/hcsb/ephesians/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone. <a href="/asv/ephesians/2.htm">American Standard Version</a> being built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief corner stone; <a href="/cev/ephesians/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> You are like a building with the apostles and prophets as the foundation and with Christ as the most important stone. <a href="/erv/ephesians/2.htm">English Revised Version</a> being built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief corner stone; <a href="/gwt/ephesians/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> You are built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets. Christ Jesus himself is the cornerstone. <a href="/gnt/ephesians/2.htm">Good News Translation</a> You, too, are built upon the foundation laid by the apostles and prophets, the cornerstone being Christ Jesus himself. <a href="/isv/ephesians/2.htm">International Standard Version</a> having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, the Messiah Jesus himself being the cornerstone. <a href="/msb/ephesians/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Jesus Christ Himself as the cornerstone. <a href="/net/ephesians/2.htm">NET Bible</a> because you have been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. <a href="/nheb/ephesians/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief cornerstone; <a href="/wbt/ephesians/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone; <a href="/wey/ephesians/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> You are a building which has been reared on the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, the cornerstone being Christ Jesus Himself, <a href="/web/ephesians/2.htm">World English Bible</a> being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief cornerstone; <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/ephesians/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being chief corner-[stone], <a href="/blb/ephesians/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> having been built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone, <a href="/ylt/ephesians/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> being built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being chief corner -stone, <a href="/slt/ephesians/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Built upon the foundation of the sent, and of the prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the corner stone;<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/ephesians/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone: <a href="/cpdv/ephesians/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> having been built upon the foundation of the Apostles and of the Prophets, with Jesus Christ himself as the preeminent cornerstone. <a href="/nabre/ephesians/2.htm">New American Bible</a> built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone. <a href="/nrsvce/ephesians/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/ephesians/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And you are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the corner-stone of the building: <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/ephesians/2.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And you are built up upon the foundation of the Apostles and of the Prophets, and he is The Head of The Corner of the building-Yeshua The Messiah.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/ephesians/2.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> having been builded upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone, <a href="/godbey/ephesians/2.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> having been built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone, <a href="/haweis/ephesians/2.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> built up on the foundation of apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; <a href="/mace/ephesians/2.htm">Mace New Testament</a> being built upon the foundation laid by the apostles and prophets, whereof Jesus Christ himself is the main stone of the angle: <a href="/wey/ephesians/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> You are a building which has been reared on the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, the cornerstone being Christ Jesus Himself, <a href="/worrell/ephesians/2.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> having been built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the chief corner-stone; <a href="/worsley/ephesians/2.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone: <a href="/parallel/ephesians/2-20.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AfeSHen3sAQ?start=372" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/ephesians/2.htm">A Temple in the Lord</a> 19Therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household, 20<a href="/greek/2026.htm" title="2026: epoikodomēthentes (V-APP-NMP) -- To build upon (above) a foundation. From epi and oikodomeo; to build upon, i.e. to rear up.">built</a> <a href="/greek/1909.htm" title="1909: epi (Prep) -- On, to, against, on the basis of, at. ">on</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/2310.htm" title="2310: themeliō (N-DNS) -- From a derivative of tithemi; something put down, i.e. A substruction.">foundation</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of the</a> <a href="/greek/652.htm" title="652: apostolōn (N-GMP) -- From apostello; a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ.">apostles</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/4396.htm" title="4396: prophētōn (N-GMP) -- From a compound of pro and phemi; a foreteller; by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet.">prophets,</a> <a href="/greek/5547.htm" title="5547: Christou (N-GMS) -- Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.">with Christ</a> <a href="/greek/2424.htm" title="2424: Iēsou (N-GMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.">Jesus</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">Himself</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: ontos (V-PPA-GMS) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">as</a> <a href="/greek/204.htm" title="204: akrogōniaiou (Adj-GMS) -- In the corner (of a building); subst: corner-(stone). From akron and gonia; belonging to the extreme corner.">the cornerstone.</a> 21In Him the whole building is fitted together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-11.htm">1 Corinthians 3:11</a> For no one can lay a foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. <a href="/1_peter/2-4.htm">1 Peter 2:4-6</a> As you come to Him, the living stone, rejected by men but chosen and precious in God’s sight, / you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. / For it stands in Scripture: “See, I lay in Zion a stone, a chosen and precious cornerstone; and the one who believes in Him will never be put to shame.” <a href="/matthew/16-18.htm">Matthew 16:18</a> And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. <a href="/revelation/21-14.htm">Revelation 21:14</a> The wall of the city had twelve foundations bearing the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. <a href="/isaiah/28-16.htm">Isaiah 28:16</a> So this is what the Lord GOD says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; the one who believes will never be shaken. <a href="/acts/4-11.htm">Acts 4:11-12</a> This Jesus is ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’ / Salvation exists in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” <a href="/psalms/118-22.htm">Psalm 118:22</a> The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. <a href="/colossians/2-7.htm">Colossians 2:7</a> rooted and built up in Him, established in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. <a href="/romans/9-33.htm">Romans 9:33</a> as it is written: “See, I lay in Zion a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense; and the one who believes in Him will never be put to shame.” <a href="/1_corinthians/12-28.htm">1 Corinthians 12:28</a> And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, and those with gifts of healing, helping, administration, and various tongues. <a href="/zechariah/10-4.htm">Zechariah 10:4</a> The cornerstone will come from Judah, the tent peg from him, as well as the battle bow and every ruler together. <a href="/hebrews/3-3.htm">Hebrews 3:3-6</a> For Jesus has been counted worthy of greater glory than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself. / And every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything. / Now Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s house, testifying to what would be spoken later. ... <a href="/matthew/21-42.htm">Matthew 21:42</a> Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is from the Lord, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? <a href="/1_timothy/3-15.htm">1 Timothy 3:15</a> in case I am delayed, so that you will know how each one must conduct himself in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. <a href="/1_kings/5-17.htm">1 Kings 5:17</a> And the king commanded them to quarry large, costly stones to lay the foundation of the temple with dressed stones.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And are built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;built.<a href="/ephesians/4-12.htm">Ephesians 4:12</a> For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:<a href="/1_peter/2-4.htm">1 Peter 2:4,5</a> To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, … the foundation.<a href="/ephesians/4-11.htm">Ephesians 4:11-13</a> And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; … <a href="/isaiah/28-16.htm">Isaiah 28:16</a> Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.<a href="/matthew/16-18.htm">Matthew 16:18</a> And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.Jesus.<a href="/psalms/118-22.htm">Psalm 118:22</a> The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.<a href="/isaiah/28-16.htm">Isaiah 28:16</a> Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.<a href="/matthew/21-42.htm">Matthew 21:42</a> Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/galatians/1-19.htm">Apostles</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/5-1.htm">Built</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-39.htm">Chief</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-13.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/acts/26-26.htm">Corner</a> <a href="/acts/4-11.htm">Cornerstone</a> <a href="/luke/20-17.htm">Corner-Stone</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-4.htm">Foundation</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-13.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-39.htm">Prophets</a> <a href="/acts/7-21.htm">Reared</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/9-14.htm">Resting</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/3-7.htm">Stone</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ephesians/3-5.htm">Apostles</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-22.htm">Built</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-16.htm">Chief</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-1.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-6.htm">Corner</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-6.htm">Cornerstone</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-6.htm">Corner-Stone</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-15.htm">Foundation</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-1.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-5.htm">Prophets</a> <a href="/exodus/40-17.htm">Reared</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-16.htm">Resting</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-4.htm">Stone</a><div class="vheading2">Ephesians 2</div>1. <a href="/ephesians/2-1.htm">By comparing what we were by nature, with what we are by grace,</a> 10. <a href="/ephesians/2-10.htm">he declares that we are made for good works: and being brought near by Christ, </a> 19. <a href="/ephesians/2-19.htm">should not live as Gentiles and foreigners, but as citizens with the saints, and the family of God.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ephesians/2.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ephesians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/ephesians/2.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets This phrase emphasizes the foundational role of the apostles and prophets in the early Church. The apostles, chosen by Jesus, were eyewitnesses to His resurrection and were tasked with spreading His teachings. The prophets, both from the Old Testament and those in the early Church, provided divine revelation and guidance. This foundation signifies the continuity and fulfillment of God's plan from the Old Testament to the New Testament. The apostles and prophets laid the doctrinal and spiritual groundwork for the Church, ensuring that it was rooted in truth and divine revelation. This foundation is not merely historical but is living and active, as the teachings and revelations continue to guide the Church today.with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone In ancient architecture, the cornerstone was the principal stone, often the largest and most stable, upon which the rest of the structure depended. This metaphor highlights Christ's preeminent role in the Church. As the cornerstone, Jesus is the essential support and unifying element of the Church, ensuring its stability and alignment. This imagery is rooted in Old Testament prophecy, such as <a href="/isaiah/28-16.htm">Isaiah 28:16</a>, which speaks of a precious cornerstone laid by God. In the New Testament, Jesus is frequently identified as this cornerstone (e.g., <a href="/1_peter/2-6.htm">1 Peter 2:6-7</a>), fulfilling the messianic prophecies and establishing the Church's foundation. Christ's role as the cornerstone underscores His authority, divinity, and the centrality of His teachings and sacrifice in the life of the Church.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/a/apostles.htm">Apostles</a> The apostles were the primary messengers and leaders in the early church, chosen by Jesus to spread His teachings and establish the church. They played a foundational role in the development of Christian doctrine and practice. 2. <a href="/topical/p/prophets.htm">Prophets</a> In the context of the New Testament, prophets were individuals who received and communicated divine revelations. They were instrumental in guiding the early church and confirming the message of the apostles. 3. <a href="/topical/c/christ_jesus.htm">Christ Jesus</a> Central to the Christian faith, Jesus is the Son of God, whose life, death, and resurrection are the cornerstone of Christian belief. In this verse, He is described as the cornerstone, indicating His essential role in the foundation and unity of the church. 4. <a href="/topical/f/foundation.htm">Foundation</a> This metaphorical term refers to the essential teachings and truths upon which the Christian faith is built. The foundation includes the teachings of the apostles and prophets, with Christ as the cornerstone. 5. <a href="/topical/c/cornerstone.htm">Cornerstone</a> In ancient construction, the cornerstone was the first stone set in the foundation, determining the position of the entire structure. Jesus as the cornerstone signifies His preeminence and the central role He plays in the church.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_apostles_and_prophets.htm">The Role of Apostles and Prophets</a> The apostles and prophets laid the doctrinal foundation of the church. Their teachings, inspired by the Holy Spirit, are recorded in Scripture and remain authoritative for the church today. <a href="/topical/c/christ_as_the_cornerstone.htm">Christ as the Cornerstone</a> Jesus is the essential and unifying element of the church. Our faith and lives must be aligned with Him, as He provides stability and direction. <a href="/topical/b/building_on_a_solid_foundation.htm">Building on a Solid Foundation</a> Believers are called to build their lives on the teachings of Scripture, with Christ as the central focus. This ensures spiritual growth and resilience against false teachings. <a href="/topical/u/unity_in_the_church.htm">Unity in the Church</a> The foundation of apostles, prophets, and Christ promotes unity among believers. We are part of a spiritual building, the church, which transcends cultural and temporal boundaries. <a href="/topical/l/living_stones_in_god's_building.htm">Living Stones in God's Building</a> As members of the church, we are living stones being built into a spiritual house. Our lives should reflect the character and mission of Christ, contributing to the church's growth and witness.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ephesians_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ephesians 2</a> <a href="/q/what_is_'foundation_of_apostles'.htm">What does "Foundation of the Apostles and Prophets" mean?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_lord's_book.htm">What does 'Foundation of the Apostles and Prophets' mean?</a> <a href="/q/are_there_apostles_and_prophets_today.htm">Do apostles and prophets exist in today's church?</a> <a href="/q/is_there_proof_of_ephesians_2_19-20.htm">In Ephesians 2:19–20, is there historical or archaeological proof of this “foundation of apostles and prophets”?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ephesians/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(20-22) In these verses there is a sudden change from a political to a physical metaphor, possibly suggested by the word "household." The metaphor itself, of the Church as "a building of God"--frequently used in the New Testament--reaches its full perfection in this passage. (1) It starts, of course, from the words of our Lord (<a href="/matthew/16-18.htm" title="And I say also to you, That you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.">Matthew 16:18</a>), "On this rock I will build my Church;" but in the use of it sometimes the prominent idea is of the growth by addition of individual stones, sometimes of the complex unity of the building as a whole. (2) The former idea naturally occurs first, connecting itself, indeed, with the still more personal application of the metaphor to the "edification" of the individual to be a temple of God (found, for example, in <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-11.htm" title="Why comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also you do.">1Thessalonians 5:11</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/8-1.htm" title="Now as touching things offered to idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but charity edifies.">1Corinthians 8:1</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/10-23.htm" title="All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.">1Corinthians 10:23</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/14-4.htm" title="He that speaks in an unknown tongue edifies himself; but he that prophesies edifies the church.">1Corinthians 14:4</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/5-1.htm" title="For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.">2Corinthians 5:1</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/10-8.htm" title="For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord has given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed:">2Corinthians 10:8</a>). Thus in <a href="/1_corinthians/3-9.htm" title="For we are laborers together with God: you are God's husbandry, you are God's building.">1Corinthians 3:9</a>, from "ye are God's building," St. Paul passes at once to the building of individual character on the one foundation; in <a href="/context/1_corinthians/14-4.htm" title="He that speaks in an unknown tongue edifies himself; but he that prophesies edifies the church.">1Corinthians 14:4-5</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/14-12.htm" title="Even so you, for as much as you are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that you may excel to the edifying of the church.">1Corinthians 14:12</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/14-26.htm" title="How is it then, brothers? when you come together, every one of you has a psalm, has a doctrine, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done to edifying.">1Corinthians 14:26</a>, the edification of the Church has reference to the effect of prophecy on individual souls; in <a href="/1_peter/2-5.htm" title="You also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.">1Peter 2:5</a>, the emphasis is still on the building up of "living stones" upon "a living stone." (Comp. <a href="/acts/20-32.htm" title="And now, brothers, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.">Acts 20:32</a>.) (3) In this Epistle the other idea--the idea of unity--is always prominent, though not exclusive of the other (as here and in <a href="/context/ephesians/4-12.htm" title="For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:">Ephesians 4:12-16</a>). But that this conception of unity is less absolute than that conveyed by the metaphor of the body will be seen by noting that it differs from it in three respects; first, that it carries with it the notion of a more distinct individuality in each stone; next, that it conveys (as in the "graffing in" of <a href="/romans/11-17.htm" title="And if some of the branches be broken off, and you, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them, and with them partake of the root and fatness of the olive tree;">Romans 11:17</a>) the idea of continual growth by accretion of individual souls drawn to Christ; lastly, that it depicts the Church as having more completely a distinct, though not a separate, existence from Him who dwells in it. (On this last point compare the metaphor of the spouse of Christ in <a href="/context/ephesians/5-25.htm" title="Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;">Ephesians 5:25-33</a>.) Hence it is naturally worked out with greater completeness in an Epistle which has so especially for its object the evolution of the doctrine of "the one Holy Catholic Church." . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ephesians/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 20. - Being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets. A new figure, the third here introduced to denote the change - that of a temple, of which Christians are stones. There is no contrast in form in this figure, as in the other two; it just expresses directly the privilege attained. There is a real contrast, however, between the first three and the last three verses of the chapter - the lowest degradation expressed in the one, the highest elevation in the ether. Observe, the apostle passes, by association of ideas, from the household (ver. 19) to the house (ver. 20), from the domestics to the stones; but by a bold figure he gives life to the stones, otherwise we might be in the same region of lifelessness as in yore. 1-3. Two questions arise here. 1. About this foundation - In what sense is it "of the apostles and prophets"? Certainly not in the sense that they constituted the foundation; for, though this might be warranted grammatically, it would be untrue: "Other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ" (<a href="/1_corinthians/3-11.htm">1 Corinthians 3:11</a>). The best meaning seems to be, the foundation which the apostles and prophets laid, which they used for themselves and announced for others. But what was this foundation? Substantially that of <a href="/1_corinthians/3-11.htm">1 Corinthians 3:11</a>; but the mention of Christ as chief Corner-stone at the end of the verse might at first seem to indicate that something different was meant by the foundation. But it is impossible to propose any suitable interpretation which would not make Christ the Foundation too. 2. Who are the prophets? We might naturally suppose the Old Testament prophets, but in that case they would probably have been mentioned before the apostles. In other passages of this Epistle "apostles and prophets" denote New Testament officers (<a href="/ephesians/3-5.htm">Ephesians 3:5</a>; <a href="/ephesians/4-11.htm">Ephesians 4:11</a>), and it is most suitable to regard that as the meaning. It was the privilege of the Ephesians to use the foundation on which stood the two highest bodies of officers in the new dispensation - the apostles and prophets; nothing better could be found. Jesus Christ himself being the chief Cornerstone. Not as opposed to the foundation, but in addition thereto. Jesus is really both, but there is a reason for specifying him as the chief Cornerstone; comp. <a href="/psalms/118-21.htm">Psalm 118:21</a>, "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. <a href="/commentaries/ephesians/2-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>built ἐποικοδομηθέντες (epoikodomēthentes) Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2026.htm">Strong's 2026: </a> To build upon (above) a foundation. From epi and oikodomeo; to build upon, i.e. to rear up. on ἐπὶ (epi) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1909.htm">Strong's 1909: </a> On, to, against, on the basis of, at. the τῷ (tō) Article - Dative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. foundation θεμελίῳ (themeliō) Noun - Dative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2310.htm">Strong's 2310: </a> From a derivative of tithemi; something put down, i.e. A substruction. of the τῶν (tōn) Article - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. apostles ἀποστόλων (apostolōn) Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_652.htm">Strong's 652: </a> From apostello; a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. prophets, προφητῶν (prophētōn) Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4396.htm">Strong's 4396: </a> From a compound of pro and phemi; a foreteller; by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet. [with] Christ Χριστοῦ (Christou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5547.htm">Strong's 5547: </a> Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus. Jesus Ἰησοῦ (Iēsou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2424.htm">Strong's 2424: </a> Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites. Himself αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. as ὄντος (ontos) Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. [the] cornerstone. ἀκρογωνιαίου (akrogōniaiou) Adjective - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_204.htm">Strong's 204: </a> In the corner (of a building); subst: corner-(stone). From akron and gonia; belonging to the extreme corner. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ephesians/2-20.htm">Ephesians 2:20 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/ephesians/2-20.htm">Ephesians 2:20 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/ephesians/2-20.htm">Ephesians 2:20 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/ephesians/2-20.htm">Ephesians 2:20 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/ephesians/2-20.htm">Ephesians 2:20 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/ephesians/2-20.htm">Ephesians 2:20 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ephesians/2-20.htm">Ephesians 2:20 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/ephesians/2-20.htm">Ephesians 2:20 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/ephesians/2-20.htm">Ephesians 2:20 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/ephesians/2-20.htm">Ephesians 2:20 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-20.htm">NT Letters: Ephesians 2:20 Being built on the foundation (Ephes. Eph. Ep) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ephesians/2-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ephesians 2:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ephesians 2:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ephesians/2-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ephesians 2:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ephesians 2:21" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>