Ephesians 2:20

Foundation. The figure changes, in a manner characteristic of Paul, from the persons in the house to the structure itself. The imagery differs from that in 1 Cor. 3:11, where Christ is presented as the foundation.

Apostles and prophets. This phrase may be regarded as in apposition to “foundation.” The passage would then mean, “the foundation, which is the apostles and prophets.”

Some limit the term “prophets” here to NT prophets (Eph. 3:5; 4:11; cf. 1 Cor. 12:10). Others believe that OT prophets are referred to, in that they actually laid the foundations of the work of the Messiah. The prophets to whom God revealed the riches of His grace and the apostles, the special evangels of this grace, constitute the foundation. Other Christians make up the structure of the building. This passage does not say that the church was to be founded on one apostle, Peter, but upon all of them, with Christ, the Chief Cornerstone.

Chief corner stone. This expression is found only here and in 1 Peter 2:6, where the building is described as made of living stones. For the purpose of the figure, the cornerstone is viewed as that which holds together an edifice. Christ holds together the various parts of the spiritual house, giving shape and unity to it. The metaphor is drawn from Ps. 118:22 and was applied by Christ to Himself (Matt. 21:42).