Eph 2:20-22, 1Pe 2:5 | Family | STEP | Are built ; into a spiritual temple. The foundation of the apostles and prophets ; the foundation laid by them; in other words, the doctrine preached by them, the corner-stone of which is Jesus Christ. The fact, that in describing the foundation of the church, Paul, under the guidance of the Holy Ghost, says nothing of Peter, but teaches that it is built on Christ, as preached by apostles and prophets, is conclusive evidence that the belief of its being built on Peter, or any mere creature, is an error.

Ephesians 2:20-22

Are built; into a spiritual temple.

The foundation of the apostles and prophets; the foundation laid by them; in other words, the doctrine preached by them, the corner-stone of which is Jesus Christ. The fact, that in describing the foundation of the church, Paul, under the guidance of the Holy Ghost, says nothing of Peter, but teaches that it is built on Christ, as preached by apostles and prophets, is conclusive evidence that the belief of its being built on Peter, or any mere creature, is an error. In whom; not in Peter or Paul, but in Christ; in whom all true Christians believe, and on whom they rely for salvation.

Groweth; as a living temple made of living stones, 1Pe 2:5. Ye also; ye Gentiles, as well as the Jews.

For a habitation of God through the Spirit; God dwells in the hearts of his people who are united to him through faith and love, and thus each believer is his temple. Isa 57:15; Joh 14:23; 17:21,23,26. In like manner he dwells in his church, which is made up of believers united to him and to each other, and thus the church is, as here, his temple. Compare 1Co 3:16; 1Pe 2:5. The church of God is not composed merely of ministers of the gospel, but of all who are united by faith to Jesus Christ, and in whom he dwells by his Spirit.

1 Peter 2:5

Lively; living.

A spiritual house; the church of God, which is a spiritual temple consisting of living stones, built upon Jesus Christ, the living corner-stone. 1Co 3:16; Eph 2:20-22.

A holy priesthood; why they are called a priesthood he immediately explains. It is because they offer to God, through Jesus Christ, not the outward sacrifices of the Levitical priesthood, but the spiritual sacrifices; of a broken heart and a contrite spirit, mingled with the incense of thanksgiving and praise. Ps 51:17; Ho 14:2; Heb 13:15; Re 1:6; Re 5:10.