What does Ephesians 2:20 mean?

Explanation

Ephesians 2:20 is a metaphorical statement that describes the followers of Christ as a building, with Jesus Christ as the chief cornerstone.

This building is not a physical structure but a spiritual one, often interpreted as the church or the community of believers.

The apostles and prophets are described as the foundation of the building.

A cornerstone in ancient construction was the first stone set in the construction of a masonry foundation; all other stones would be set in reference to this stone, thus determining the position of the entire structure.

The chief cornerstone, Jesus Christ, is central to the structure's integrity, aligning all other parts of the building.

The apostles and prophets refer to the early leaders and teachers who spread the message of Jesus and laid the initial teachings and traditions upon which the church is built.

The deeper meaning reflects the unity, cohesiveness, and dependence of the church on the doctrine established by Christ and propagated through his first disciples.

Historical Context

Ephesians is one of the epistles attributed to the Apostle Paul, written around 62 A.D. while he was likely imprisoned in Rome.

The letter was addressed to the church in Ephesus, a major city in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey).

The early Christian community faced challenges integrating Jews and Gentiles into one unified body of believers.

The metaphors used in this verse speak to the need for a strong, unifying foundation amidst the diversity and division of the time.

Theological Insights

In a theological sense, this verse is often used to underline the doctrine of apostolic succession, which holds that the authority of the apostles is passed down through the generations. Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox theology especially emphasize this point.

From an evangelical point of view, this verse points to the foundation of the church being rooted in direct revelation from God, given through the apostles and prophets, with Christ himself being the highest revelation and authority.

Some reformed theologians emphasize the once-for-all foundation laid by the apostles and prophets with no continuing office of apostle or prophet being necessary after the completion of the New Testament canon.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse is often applied to encourage believers to stay true to the core teachings of Christianity. It reminds that personal and church teachings should align with those established by the earliest church leaders, as recorded in the Bible.

Additionally, it may be interpreted as a call for unity in the Christian community with a shared foundation in Christ.

Cross-References

• 1 Corinthians 3:11: "For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ."
• Isaiah 28:16: "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."
• Matthew 16:18: "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."
• Acts 4:11-12: "This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."

Language Study

The key terms in the original Greek language of this text reveal significant nuances:

• "foundation" (θεμέλιος, themelios) typically refers to the laying down of a structural base.
• "apostles" (ἀπόστολος, apostolos) means 'one who is sent out,' reflecting the mission-driven role of the apostles.
• "prophets" (προφήτης, prophetes) were seen as those who spoke divine truths, inspired by the Holy Spirit.
• "chief corner stone" (ἀκρογωνιαῖος, akrogoniaios) refers to the principal stone that holds together two intersecting walls, essential for the stability of the structure.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

This verse can be compared to other religious and cultural traditions where a foundational figure or principle holds a central place in their belief system.

In Hinduism, Krishna is often seen as a cornerstone of spiritual truth.

In Islam, Muhammad is viewed as the seal of the prophets, completing the foundation of Islamic faith.

In Buddhism, the teachings of the Buddha provide the foundation for spiritual enlightenment.

Scientific Perspectives

There's little direct intersection between this verse and modern scientific understandings since the verse is metaphorical and spiritual rather than empirical.

However, from an architectural or engineering perspective, the concept of a cornerstone is quite accurate, essential for a stable and secure structure, which can be seen in ancient structures that have stood the test of time.

Commentaries

Commentaries on Ephesians 2:20 often emphasize that the apostles and prophets form the historical base for the teaching and traditions of the church, with Christ himself being the ultimate authority and unifier.

Matthew Henry's commentary, for example, points to how both Jewish and Gentile believers are joined together in this holy structure.

John Calvin's commentary would focus on the doctrinal foundation that was laid by the apostles according to the teachings of Christ.

Contemporary scholars like N.T.

Wright discuss how this reflects the 'new temple', God's people where His presence dwells, no longer confined to a physical location but embodied by the global church.