How does Ephesians 2:21 connect with 1 Corinthians 3:16 about being God's temple? Built on the Same Foundation Ephesians 2:21—“In Him the whole building is fitted together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 3:16—“Do you not know that you yourselves are God’s temple, and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” • Both verses anchor the temple imagery “in Him”—Christ is the indispensable cornerstone (cf. Ephesians 2:20). • Without Christ, there is no true dwelling place for God; with Him, every believer is securely joined. One Temple, Many Stones • Ephesians highlights the corporate aspect: “the whole building.” • 1 Corinthians addresses the same body with a plural “you”—believers together make one sanctuary. • 1 Peter 2:5 supports this: “you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house.” Indwelling Presence • God no longer resides in stone structures but in His people (Acts 7:48–49). • The Spirit’s indwelling (1 Corinthians 3:16) fulfills Old Testament promise: “I will dwell with them” (2 Corinthians 6:16). • Thus, Ephesians 2:21’s “holy temple in the Lord” equals Spirit-filled believers. Growing in Holiness • Ephesians emphasizes growth: the temple “grows.” • 1 Corinthians 3:17 warns against defiling that temple; holiness is non-negotiable. • Ongoing sanctification is pictured: – Progressive fitting together – Increasing likeness to Christ – Collective maturity (Ephesians 4:13) Unity of Jew and Gentile • Context of Ephesians 2: both groups are reconciled “in one body” (v. 16). • The shared temple underscores equal access to God (v. 18). • Revelation 21:3 previews the goal: “Look, God’s dwelling place is now with mankind.” Living as God’s Dwelling Today • Guard purity—flee sin that would defile the temple (1 Corinthians 6:18–20). • Pursue unity—division cracks the walls (1 Corinthians 3:3). • Serve sacrificially—offer “spiritual sacrifices” (1 Peter 2:5). • Display God’s glory—so others “may see your good deeds and glorify God” (Matthew 5:16). Ephesians 2:21 and 1 Corinthians 3:16 together reveal one majestic truth: in Christ, believers collectively are God’s ever-growing, Spirit-filled temple, called to holy, unified, glory-reflecting lives. |
    |