Read & explore together
Christ Our Cornerstone
These verses describe a big change in belonging. People who were once outside are now spoken of as citizens, family members, and parts of a building, all because of Christ Jesus.
Understanding the passage
The setting of these words
This part of the letter teaches with linked pictures rather than a story. It moves from citizenship and household language to building and temple language, showing how “you” are joined together in relation to Christ Jesus, the apostles, the prophets, and God’s dwelling.
Ephesians 2:19–22Main takeaway
This passage teaches that in Christ Jesus, “you” belong together as God’s people and are being built together as God’s dwelling.
Follow the letter’s teaching
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01No longer outsidersThe passage begins with a strong contrast: “no longer strangers and foreigners”. Instead of being outside, “you” are now “fellow citizens with the saints” and also part of “the household of God”.
Explanation
The passage begins with a strong contrast: “no longer strangers and foreigners”. Instead of being outside, “you” are now “fellow citizens with the saints” and also part of “the household of God”. The passage uses both public and family language to show real belonging among God’s people.
02Built on a foundationThe next picture is a building. It is “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets”, while “Christ Jesus himself” is “the chief cornerstone”.
Explanation
The next picture is a building. It is “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets”, while “Christ Jesus himself” is “the chief cornerstone”. The verses present Christ Jesus as central in this building image because the whole building is described in relation to him.
03A whole building joined wellThe building image continues with growth and unity. “The whole building” is “fitted together”, which shows connection rather than scattered pieces.
Explanation
The building image continues with growth and unity. “The whole building” is “fitted together”, which shows connection rather than scattered pieces. In him, this building “grows into a holy temple in the Lord”. The temple language points to a place that belongs to God.
04Built together for God’s dwellingThe final verse applies the picture personally and together. “You also are built together” means the readers share in this work, not as isolated pieces but as one joined people.
Explanation
The final verse applies the picture personally and together. “You also are built together” means the readers share in this work, not as isolated pieces but as one joined people. The goal is “a habitation of God in the Spirit”, describing God’s dwelling among his people.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01What three pictures of belonging appear in this passage?
Look for the words about citizenship, household, and building or temple, and notice how each one describes being included with God’s people.
02What place does Christ Jesus hold in the building image?
Read carefully for the title given to him and notice that the building is described “in whom”, showing its relationship to him.
03Does the passage describe “you” as separate units or as joined together?
Notice the phrases “fitted together” and “built together”, and connect them with the idea of God’s dwelling.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Ephesians 2:19–22
19So then you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and of the household of God,
20being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief cornerstone;
21in whom the whole building, fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord;
22in whom you also are built together for a habitation of God in the Spirit.