Peter as the Cornerstone of the Church in Scripture
The Concept of Peter as the Cornerstone in Scripture
The concept of Peter as the cornerstone of the Church is rooted in biblical interpretations and has been a subject of theological debate. The term "cornerstone" is used metaphorically in Scripture to signify a foundational or principal person [3].
In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is identified as the cornerstone of the Church. Ephesians 2:20 states that believers are "built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone" [1]. This passage establishes Christ as the primary cornerstone, emphasizing His central role in the Church's foundation.
The name "Peter" (Πέτρος, Petros) means "rock" or "stone" [2, 4]. Jesus gives Simon the name Peter, saying, "You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church" (Matthew 16:18). The interpretation of this passage varies among traditions. Some see "this rock" as referring to Peter himself, while others understand it as referring to Peter's confession of faith or to Christ [4].
The imagery of the cornerstone is also applied to Christ in other New Testament passages. In 1 Peter 2:6-8, Christ is described as the cornerstone that God has chosen and honored, despite being rejected by humans. This passage draws on Old Testament imagery, referencing Isaiah 28:16 and Psalm 118:22 [9].
The Church is described as a unified body with Christ as its head [5, 6]. In 1 Corinthians 12:12-31, the Church is likened to a body composed of many members, each with its own function [5]. This unity is also emphasized in Colossians 3:15, where believers are called to live in peace as one body under Christ's lordship [6].
The concept of the cornerstone is closely tied to the idea of the Church's foundation. In Ephesians 2:21, the Church is described as a holy temple built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ as the cornerstone [7]. This foundation is not limited to the apostles and prophets but is centered on Christ, who is the keystone that holds the structure together [10].
Different Christian traditions interpret the role of Peter in the Church's foundation in various ways. While some traditions see Peter as having a unique role or authority, others emphasize the collective foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ as the cornerstone [8].
The biblical imagery of the cornerstone highlights Christ's central importance to the Church's identity and unity. As the cornerstone, Christ is the foundation on which the Church is built, and His role is not limited to a specific individual or group [1, 9].
The New Testament's use of architectural metaphors to describe the Church emphasizes the importance of unity and cohesion among believers. The image of the cornerstone, in particular, underscores Christ's role as the unifying element in the Church's structure [10].
Sources
- Ephesians “Ephesians 2:20 (NASB) — having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone,”
- Hitchcock's Bible Names “Hitchcock's Bible Names: Peter — a rock or stone”
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Cornerstone — a quoin or cornerstone, of great importance in binding together the sides of a building. The phrase "corner-stone" is sometimes used to denote any principal person, as the princes of Egypt, (Isaiah 19:13) and is thus applied to our Lord. (Isaiah 28:16; Matthew 21:42; 1 Peter 2:6,7)”
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Peter — (a rock or stone). The original name of this disciple was Simon, i.e. "hearer." He was the son of a man named Jonas, (Matthew 16:17; John 1:42; 21:16) and was brought up in his father's occupation, that of a fisherman. He and his brother Andrew were partners of John end James, the sons of Zebedee, who had hired servants. Peter did not live, as a mere laboring man, in a hut by the seaside, but first at Bethsaida, and afterward in a house at Capernaum belonging to himself or his mother-in-law, which must have been rather a large one, since he received in it not ”
- 1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 12:12: 12:12-31 The church is like a body (see 12:27) composed of many different parts, each with its own function as determined by God (see 12:11, 18, 28; Rom 12:4-5).”
- Colossians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Colossians 3:15: 3:15 Just as Christ is one, so there can be only one body of Christ (see 1:18; Eph 4:4-6). Allegiance to Jesus as Lord must transcend differences and will result in peace (harmonious relationships).”
- Ephesians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ephesians 2:21: 2:21 Joined together in Christ, Gentile and Jewish Christians become a holy temple for the Lord, because the Lord himself is among his people (see Matt 18:20; 28:20; 1 Cor 3:16; 1 Pet 2:4-5).”
- Ephesians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Ephesians 2:20: And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets,.... The prophets of the Old Testament, and the apostles of the New, who agree in laying ministerially the one and only foundation, Jesus Christ; for not the persons of the apostles and prophets, nor their doctrines merely, are here meant; but Christ who is contained in them, and who is the foundation on which the church, and all true believers are built: he is the foundation of the covenant of grace, of all the blessings and promises of it, of faith and hope, of peace, joy, and comfort, of salvation an”
- 1 Peter (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Peter 2:6: 2:6-8 The three Old Testament quotations in these verses each identify Christ as some kind of stone: the cornerstone on which the new temple is built (2:6); the cornerstone that God, despite peoples’ rejection, has elevated to be the keystone of his redemptive plan (2:7); and the stone that makes people stumble (2:8). Jesus quotes Ps 118:22 (Matt 21:42), and Paul quotes both Isa 8:14 and 28:16 (Rom 9:33). Likely these three quotations were brought together very early as a combined Old Testament testimony to the nature and significance of Jesus the Messiah.”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 118:22: 118:22-24 The psalmist sees his own salvation as the beginning of a new day in which the Lord will do great things. 118:22 The cornerstone (or keystone) of a building or an arch gives the structure its shape and foundation. It is the most important of all the stones. The Lord chooses and places this stone for his sanctuary (Isa 28:16). Jesus referred to himself as this cornerstone (Matt 21:42; Mark 12:10-11; Luke 20:17; see Acts 4:11; Eph 2:20; 1 Pet 2:6-7).”