In what ways does Matthew 16:18 connect to Ephesians 2:20 about the Church's foundation? The Setting in Matthew 16:18 – “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.” – Jesus speaks as the Builder. – The “rock” points first to Himself and the saving confession Peter has just voiced: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (v. 16). – Peter becomes a foundational apostle, yet the immovable ground is Christ. The Framework in Ephesians 2:20 – “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone.” – The image moves from one apostle (Peter) to all apostles and prophets. – Christ is not merely a stone; He is the cornerstone that determines the entire structure’s alignment. – The Church is pictured as a completed temple where every believer is “being fitted together” (v. 21). How the Two Passages Interlock • Same Builder: Jesus promises, “I will build My church” (Matthew 16:18), then Paul shows the construction in progress (Ephesians 2:20-22). • Same Foundation: – Matthew—“this rock.” – Ephesians—“foundation of the apostles and prophets.” – 1 Corinthians 3:11 confirms: “For no one can lay a foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” • Apostolic Role Clarified: – Peter’s confession opens the door (Acts 2). – All apostles share in laying doctrine (Acts 2:42; Revelation 21:14). • Cornerstone Focus: – The rock in Matthew finds ultimate definition in Christ as cornerstone in Ephesians. – Isaiah 28:16 and 1 Peter 2:6 echo the same cornerstone prophecy. Practical Take-Aways for Today – Confidence: Gates of Hades cannot overpower a Church built on Christ’s cornerstone. – Continuity: The apostolic and prophetic writings (Scripture) remain the plumb line for doctrine. – Unity: Every believer is “being built together into a dwelling place for God in the Spirit” (Ephesians 2:22), standing on the same unshakable foundation. |
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