20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.
20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone,
20 He used the apostles and prophets for the foundation. Now he's using you, fitting you in brick by brick, stone by stone, with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone
20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone,
20 Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself.
14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
14 The wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
14 The wall was set on twelve foundations, the names of the Twelve Apostles of the Lamb inscribed on them.
14 Now the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
14 The wall of the city had twelve foundation stones, and on them were written the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
(Read Revelation 21:9-21)
God has various employments for his holy angels. Sometimes they sound the trumpet of Divine Providence, and warn a careless world; sometimes they discover things of a heavenly nature of the heirs of salvation. Those who would have clear views of heaven, must get as near to heaven as they can, on the mount of meditation and faith. The subject of the vision is the church of God in a perfect, triumphant state, shining in its lustre; glorious in relation to Christ; which shows that the happiness of heaven consists in intercourse with God, and in conformity to him. The change of emblems from a bride to a city, shows that we are only to take general ideas from this description. The wall is for security. Heaven is a safe state; those who are there, are separated and secured from all evils and enemies. This city is vast; here is room for all the people of God. The foundation of the wall; the promise and power of God, and the purchase of Christ, are the strong foundations of the safety and happiness of the church. These foundations are set forth by twelve sorts of precious stones, denoting the variety and excellence of the doctrines of the gospel, or of the graces of the Holy Spirit, or the personal excellences of the Lord Jesus Christ. Heaven has gates; there is a free admission to all that are sanctified; they shall not find themselves shut out. These gates were all of pearls. Christ is the Pearl of great price, and he is our Way to God. The street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass. The saints in heaven tread gold under foot. The saints are there at rest, yet it is not a state of sleep and idleness; they have communion, not only with God, but with one another. All these glories but faintly represent heaven.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ephesians 2:20
Commentary on Ephesians 2:19-22
(Read Ephesians 2:19-22)
The church is compared to a city, and every converted sinner is free of it. It is also compared to a house, and every converted sinner is one of the family; a servant, and a child in God's house. The church is also compared to a building, founded on the doctrine of Christ; delivered by the prophets of the Old Testament, and the apostles of the New. God dwells in all believers now; they become the temple of God through the working of the blessed Spirit. Let us then ask if our hopes are fixed on Christ, according to the doctrine of his word? Have we devoted ourselves as holy temples to God through him? Are we habitations of God by the Spirit, are we spiritually-minded, and do we bring forth the fruits of the Spirit? Let us take heed not to grieve the holy Comforter. Let us desire his gracious presence, and his influences upon our hearts. Let us seek to discharge the duties allotted to us, to the glory of God.