1 Peter 2:6

Context of 1 Peter 2:6

First Peter is an epistle written by the Apostle Peter to scattered believers (often referred to as "elect exiles") throughout Asia Minor, facing various trials and persecutions. In 1 Peter 2, Peter emphasizes the spiritual identity of these believers, describing them as "living stones" being built into a "spiritual house" and a "holy priesthood" (1 Peter 2:5). Verse 6 serves as a foundational scriptural proof for this identity, highlighting Christ's central role as the indispensable cornerstone of this spiritual edifice. Peter quotes directly from the Old Testament, primarily Isaiah 28:16, to demonstrate that Christ's position was foretold and divinely ordained.

Key Themes and Messages

• Christ as the Chief Cornerstone: The verse unequivocally identifies Jesus Christ as the "chief corner stone." In ancient architecture, the cornerstone was the most critical stone, laid first, which determined the alignment of the entire structure. It signifies strength, stability, and the foundation upon which everything else is built. This highlights Christ's supreme importance and foundational role in both individual faith and the Church.
• Divine Election and Preciousness: Christ is described as "elect" (chosen by God) and "precious" (highly valued, esteemed, honored). This emphasizes God's sovereign plan and His immense regard for His Son, Jesus. It assures believers that their faith rests on a foundation that is not only strong but also divinely approved and exceedingly valuable.
• Security in Belief: The promise, "he that believeth on him shall not be confounded," offers profound assurance. To be "confounded" means to be ashamed, disappointed, or put to disgrace. This theme reassures believers that their trust in Christ, the divinely appointed cornerstone, will never lead to ultimate disappointment or shame, even amidst trials or societal rejection. Their hope is secure.
• Fulfillment of Prophecy: Peter's explicit statement, "it is contained in the scripture," underscores the continuity between God's Old Testament promises and their fulfillment in Jesus Christ. This validates Jesus' messianic claims and reinforces the reliability of God's Word.

Linguistic Insights

• "Sion" (Zion): While historically referring to Jerusalem, in this context, it often symbolizes God's spiritual dwelling place or the spiritual community of His people, where Christ is laid as the foundation.
• "Chief corner stone" (Greek: akrogōniaios): This term denotes the most vital stone in a building's foundation, ensuring stability and correct alignment. It can refer to the foundational stone at the corner or the capstone at the apex, both signifying supreme importance.
• "Elect" (Greek: eklektos): Means chosen, selected, or preferred. It highlights God's deliberate and sovereign choice of Christ for His redemptive plan.
• "Precious" (Greek: entimos): Signifies honor, value, and high esteem. Christ is not merely chosen but is considered exceptionally valuable in God's eyes.
• "Confounded" (Greek: kataischynō): To be put to shame, disgraced, or disappointed. The promise is that those who believe in Christ will never experience ultimate shame or failure concerning their faith.

Related Scriptures

• This verse directly quotes Isaiah 28:16, emphasizing the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy in Christ.
• It echoes the theme found in Psalm 118:22, where the stone rejected by the builders becomes the cornerstone, a passage also quoted by Jesus Himself in Matthew 21:42.
• Paul similarly refers to Christ as the chief cornerstone of the church in Ephesians 2:20, reinforcing the unity and foundation of believers.
• The promise of not being "confounded" is also found in Romans 9:33, showing a consistent biblical message about the security of faith in Christ.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Peter 2:6 offers immense comfort and direction. It calls us to:

• Build on a Solid Foundation: Our lives, hopes, and faith should be firmly established on Jesus Christ. When life's storms come, a foundation built on Him will not crumble.
• Find Security in Christ: In a world filled with uncertainty and potential disappointments, the promise that faith in Christ will not lead to shame provides deep spiritual security and peace. We can trust in God's plan and His chosen Son.
• Embrace Our Identity: As "living stones" (1 Peter 2:5) built upon this precious cornerstone, we are part of something eternal and divinely ordained. This gives purpose and dignity to our Christian walk.
• Share This Hope: Understanding the unwavering security found in Christ motivates believers to share this good news with others, inviting them to place their trust in the only One who will never disappoint.

Reflection

1 Peter 2:6 powerfully encapsulates the essence of Christian faith: a reliance on Christ, the divinely chosen and precious cornerstone, who guarantees that those who believe in Him will never face ultimate shame or despair. It's a foundational truth offering stability, hope, and purpose in a world often marked by instability and disappointment.