Study of Ephesians 2:19-22
by John Allen · 20 things on Twos
- “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.” (Ephesians 2:19-22)
- Both the Jews and Gentiles of all ages comprise the holy temple of the Lord.
- Both the Jews and the Gentiles of all ages comprise the habitation of God through the Spirit.
- Both the Jews and Gentiles of all ages comprise the body of Christ.
- Both the Jews and Gentiles of all ages comprise the bride of Christ.
- This is in conjunction with the New Jerusalem.
- The bride is not solely the New Testament church; therefore, the church does not replace the Jews.
- The foundation is the truths spoken by the prophets and apostles.
- These truths were given by God about Christ and His church.
- These truths were not spoken of their own accord nor did they deal with their own desires but of the Lord's.
- The chief corner stone is Jesus Christ.
- God Himself in the flesh is He upon Whom all of the church rests.
- Man, angel, nor any other part of Creation would suffice as the corner stone; therefore, God made He Himself the cornerstone.
- "A cornerstone of a building is an important part of construction as it is the first stone to be set and determines the position of all the pieces to be laid afterwards."
- "History, the cornerstone was the first stone set during the building process. Careful measurements were taken to ensure the cornerstone was square to ensure the proper alignment of the remainder of the building.
In the past, buildings were designed and built in relation to certain astronomical points of the compass. Ancient cultures believed that the position of heavenly bodies regulated life, fortune, and success; therefore, cornerstones were commonly placed facing the Northeast because it was thought this location would bring harmony and prosperity to the building and its owners. The ancient civilizations often performed a ceremonial ritual when the cornerstone was placed.
The architects, builders, owners, dignitaries or religious leaders would place a sacrifice, such as wine, grain, water, or even blood offering, atop the cornerstone and dedicate it to their gods. In other cultures, relics and artifacts of the community's patron saint were placed inside the cornerstone. They believed the saint would bless the church and its members.
In the early 19th and 20th century, cornerstones were hollowed out and placed in a prominent location on the front of a building. These stones often had an inscription, such as the name of the owner, the name of the builder, or the year the structure was built. Often, the cornerstone was hollowed out, and important documents, newspaper clippings, books, or photographs were placed into a metal receptacle and then placed inside the hollowed-out area in the cornerstone before it was put in place.
You may pass by cornerstones without ever noticing them; however, you can find a great deal of information about the building from these inscribed stones. They are often found on historic buildings and homes in communities around the world."
- His household is now made ours.
- The three dscriptions
- Household
- Holy Temple - erected as a testimony unto God and His glory
- Habitation -