June 29

built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone. — Eph 2:20 BSB

The meaning of this expression, which frequently occurs in the New Testament, is often misunderstood. It is first taken from the declaration concerning our Lord in the Psalms, which He specifically claimed for Himself in the Gospels (Mark 12:10; Luke 20:17)—“The stone which the builders rejected has become the head-stone of the corner” (Psalm 118:22). “The head of the corner,” or “the chief cornerstone,” refers not to the stone at the top of the building, where the two walls meet just under the roof, but to the broad foundation stone at the bottom. It is called the "cornerstone" or "chief of the corner" because, being laid as a large and solid foundation stone, it supports the entire structure. The two walls meet upon it at the corners, with each wall resting on this stone equally.

These two walls represent the Jew and the Gentile, but each rests on the broad foundation stone, which supports them both. This is why the cornerstone, laid at the bottom, is so essential, uniting both walls and carrying the weight of the entire building. It is the term "head" that has caused some confusion in understanding this, but the Hebrew word properly means the "first" or "chief." The foundation is the chief stone, not only because it supports the whole building, but because it is the first stone laid. Our gracious Lord, therefore, is not only chief in honor and dignity, but He was laid first in time, for the Church was chosen in Him before the foundation of the world. In all things, He must have the pre-eminence. He is first in dignity as the beloved Son of the Father; first in choice, as God chose the elect in Him; first in suffering, for no one suffered like Him; first in resurrection, as He is “the firstfruits of those who slept”; first in power, for “all authority in heaven and on earth” is given to Him; first in glory, as He has gone before us to prepare a place for His people. We may also say He is first in our hearts, for if we love anyone more than Him, we are not worthy of Him.