Acts 4:11

KJV

This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.

KJV (with Strong's)

This {G3778} is {G2076} the stone {G3037} which {G3588} was set at nought {G1848} of {G5259} you {G5216} builders {G3618}, which {G3588} is become {G1096} the head {G2776} of {G1519} the corner {G1137}.

Complete Jewish Bible

“This Yeshua is the stone rejected by you builders which has become the cornerstone.

Berean Standard Bible

This Jesus is ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’

American Standard Version

He is the stone which was set at nought of you the builders, which was made the head of the corner.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 4:11, a pivotal declaration by Peter before the Sanhedrin, powerfully identifies Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of ancient prophecy, specifically the "stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner." This verse encapsulates the profound irony of the Jewish religious leaders' rejection of their Messiah, only for God to exalt Him to the supreme position of authority and indispensable foundation for salvation and the burgeoning Christian community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Peter's bold and Spirit-empowered defense before the Sanhedrin. Following the miraculous healing of a lame man at the Temple gate in [Acts 3:1-10](/acts/3-1-10 "The Healing of the Lame Man"), Peter and John were arrested and brought before the highest Jewish religious court, including Annas the high priest and Caiaphas. When questioned by what power or name they performed the miracle ([Acts 4:7](/acts/4-7 "Questioning by the Sanhedrin")), Peter, "filled with the Holy Spirit" ([Acts 4:8](/acts/4-8 "Peter Filled with the Holy Spirit")), seizes the opportunity not merely to explain the healing but to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. Acts 4:11 serves as a direct, prophetic accusation against the very "builders"—the Jewish leaders—who rejected Jesus, immediately preceding Peter's unequivocal declaration that "there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" ([Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Salvation in No Other Name")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "builders" in this context are the Jewish religious authorities, particularly the Sanhedrin members Peter was addressing. They were the custodians and interpreters of the Law, responsible for guiding the spiritual "building" of Israel. Their rejection of Jesus, the Messiah, was a profound theological and cultural shock. The imagery of a "stone" and "cornerstone" was deeply significant in ancient Near Eastern architecture, where the chief cornerstone was the first and most important stone laid, determining the alignment and stability of the entire structure. This imagery was also rich with prophetic meaning within Judaism, particularly from [Psalm 118:22](/psalms/118-22 "The Stone the Builders Rejected"), a messianic psalm well-known to the Jewish leaders. Peter's use of this prophecy was a direct, culturally resonant challenge to their authority and their understanding of God's plan.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 4:11 powerfully articulates several key themes. First, it highlights **Jesus' Identity and Exaltation**, affirming Him as the divinely appointed cornerstone, despite human rejection. This theme underscores God's sovereign plan, which cannot be thwarted by human opposition; rather, human actions, even rejection, serve to fulfill prophecy and magnify God's glory. Second, the verse underscores the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, directly quoting [Psalm 118:22](/psalms/118-22 "Psalm 118:22 - The Stone the Builders Rejected"), demonstrating that Jesus' life, death, and resurrection were not random events but the culmination of God's long-foretold redemptive work. Finally, it exemplifies **Bold Proclamation and Spirit Empowerment**, showcasing Peter's courage, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to confront powerful religious authorities with the truth of Christ, even when it meant personal risk. This fearless witness is a defining characteristic of the early church, as seen throughout [the book of Acts](/acts/1 "The Book of Acts").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **stone (Greek, _líthos'_):** This word refers to a literal rock or stone, but here it is used figuratively to represent Jesus Christ. In biblical prophecy, a "stone" often symbolizes a foundation, a stumbling block, or a figure of divine judgment or salvation, as seen in [Daniel 2:34-35](/daniel/2-34-35 "Daniel's Vision of the Stone").
* **set at nought (Greek, _exouthenéō'_):** This verb means "to treat with contempt," "to despise," "to reject utterly," or "to make of no account." It implies a deliberate and considered act of rejection, where something is deemed worthless or unfit after examination. This highlights the intentionality of the Jewish leaders' dismissal of Jesus.
* **head (Greek, _kephalḗ'_):** While literally meaning the anatomical head, here it is used figuratively to denote preeminence, supreme authority, or the chief part. In the context of a building, the "head of the corner" refers to the chief cornerstone, the most important stone that unites two walls at a corner and provides structural integrity and alignment for the entire edifice.
* **is become (Greek, _gínomai'_):** This verb signifies "to come into being," "to become," or "to happen." It indicates a change of state or a transition, emphasizing that Jesus, though rejected, actively *became* the cornerstone through God's sovereign act of exaltation, particularly through His resurrection and ascension.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"This is the stone":** Peter unequivocally identifies Jesus Christ as the "stone" prophesied in the Old Testament, making a direct and unambiguous connection between Jesus and the messianic prophecies. This statement serves as the core assertion of Peter's defense.
* **"which was set at nought of you builders":** This clause directly accuses the Jewish religious authorities ("you builders") of deliberately rejecting, despising, and rendering Jesus as worthless. The "builders" are those who should have recognized and welcomed the Messiah, but instead, they scorned Him, leading to His crucifixion.
* **"which is become the head of the corner":** Despite the rejection by human authorities, God has sovereignly exalted Jesus to the position of supreme importance and ultimate authority. The "head of the corner" signifies that Jesus is the indispensable foundation, the unifying element, and the preeminent figure in God's redemptive plan and the spiritual building of the church. This highlights the triumph of God's purpose over human opposition.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 4:11 is rich in **Metaphor** and **Allusion**. The central **metaphor** is that of a building and its stones. Jesus is presented as the "stone," the Jewish leaders as the "builders," and Jesus' exalted position as the "head of the corner." This imagery effectively communicates complex theological truths in a tangible way. The verse also employs direct **Allusion** (or **Intertextuality**) to [Psalm 118:22](/psalms/118-22 "Psalm 118:22 - The Stone the Builders Rejected"), a well-known Old Testament prophecy. By quoting this psalm, Peter not only validates Jesus' identity but also places the Jewish leaders' actions within a prophetic framework, demonstrating that their rejection of Jesus was foretold. There is also a strong element of **Irony**, as those entrusted with building God's spiritual house (the "builders") are precisely the ones who reject the most crucial and foundational element (the "stone"), only for that rejected stone to be divinely exalted to the position of ultimate significance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 4:11 stands as a profound theological statement on the nature of God's redemptive plan and the identity of Jesus Christ. It underscores the truth that God's purposes cannot be thwarted by human will or opposition. Even the deliberate rejection of the Messiah by those who should have recognized Him was paradoxically woven into God's sovereign plan for His exaltation and the establishment of the new covenant community. Jesus, as the "head of the corner," is revealed as the indispensable foundation upon which God is building His spiritual house—the church. This means that all true faith, salvation, and spiritual growth must be firmly rooted in Him, the one who unites and gives stability to all who believe. His rejection by the world serves as a pattern for His followers, yet His ultimate exaltation assures believers of God's ultimate victory.

* [Psalm 118:22](/psalms/118-22 "The Stone the Builders Rejected")
* [Isaiah 28:16](/isaiah/28-16 "God's Precious Cornerstone")
* [1 Peter 2:4-8](/1_peter/2-4-8 "Christ, the Living Stone")
* [Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Christ as the Chief Cornerstone of the Church")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 4:11 offers timeless truths that resonate deeply with believers today. It challenges us to examine the foundation upon which we are building our lives, our values, and our hopes. Just as the ancient builders rejected the most crucial stone, we too can, consciously or unconsciously, "set at nought" Christ's authority in various areas of our lives, preferring to build on our own wisdom, strength, or worldly principles. This verse calls us to repentance, urging us to recognize Jesus as the supreme and indispensable cornerstone for every aspect of our existence. Furthermore, Peter's bold proclamation in the face of powerful opposition serves as a powerful model for Christian witness. It reminds us that our primary allegiance is to Christ, and we are called to fearlessly declare His truth, even when it is unpopular or confronts prevailing cultural norms. Understanding that Jesus Himself faced rejection can also comfort us when our faith or witness is met with scorn, reminding us that we are following in the footsteps of our Master.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be inadvertently "setting at nought" Christ's authority or His foundational role?**
* **How can I more intentionally build my life, relationships, and decisions upon Jesus Christ as my "head of the corner"?**
* **What gives me the courage to boldly proclaim the truth about Jesus, even when faced with opposition or skepticism from those in authority or from society?**
* **How does the understanding of Jesus' rejection and subsequent exaltation shape my perspective on personal setbacks or the world's rejection of Christian values?**

### FAQ
**What does "set at nought" mean in the context of Acts 4:11?**

Answer: The phrase "set at nought" translates the Greek word _exouthenéō_ (G1848), which means to treat with contempt, to despise, to reject utterly, or to make of no account. It implies a deliberate and considered act of rejection, where something is deemed worthless or unfit after examination. In [Acts 4:11](/acts/4-11 "Acts 4:11 - The Rejected Cornerstone"), it refers to the intentional and scornful rejection of Jesus by the Jewish religious leaders, who, despite their position as "builders" of God's spiritual house, deemed Him unworthy of their acceptance.

**Who are the "builders" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "builders" refer specifically to the Jewish religious authorities of Peter's time, particularly the members of the Sanhedrin—the supreme Jewish court—whom Peter was directly addressing. These were the leaders, scribes, Pharisees, and Sadducees who were responsible for guiding the spiritual and religious life of Israel. They were the ones entrusted with understanding and interpreting God's Law and prophecies, and thus, they should have been the first to recognize and accept the Messiah. Their rejection of Jesus, therefore, carries significant theological weight.

**What is the significance of Jesus becoming "the head of the corner"?**

Answer: The "head of the corner" (Greek: _kephalē gōnias_) refers to the chief cornerstone in ancient architecture. This was the first and most important stone laid at the foundation of a building, crucial for its stability, alignment, and the proper construction of the entire structure. Its significance is profound: it symbolizes ultimate authority, preeminence, and indispensability. By stating that Jesus "is become the head of the corner," Peter declares that despite His rejection by human authorities, God has sovereignly exalted Jesus to the supreme position of authority and foundational importance for His new spiritual temple, the church. He is the essential unifying and stabilizing element for all of God's redemptive work, as further elaborated in [Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Christ as the Chief Cornerstone").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 4:11 powerfully reveals Jesus Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and the central figure of God's redemptive plan. Peter's declaration that Jesus is "the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner" directly echoes [Psalm 118:22](/psalms/118-22 "Psalm 118:22 - The Stone the Builders Rejected"), a messianic psalm that Jesus Himself referenced in His parables, foretelling His own rejection by the religious authorities ([Matthew 21:42](/matthew/21-42 "Parable of the Wicked Tenants")). This verse underscores the profound irony and divine sovereignty at play: humanity's rejection of God's chosen Messiah, culminating in His crucifixion, was not the end of His story but the very means by which God exalted Him. Through His resurrection from the dead ([Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "God Raised Jesus from the Dead")) and ascension to the right hand of God ([Acts 2:33](/acts/2-33 "Jesus Exalted to God's Right Hand")), Jesus was divinely vindicated and established as the supreme "head of the corner" for God's new spiritual temple—the church. He is the indispensable foundation upon which all believers are built ([1 Corinthians 3:11](/1_corinthians/3-11 "Christ the Only Foundation")), the one who unites Jew and Gentile into one new humanity ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Christ the Chief Cornerstone of the Church")), and the only name under heaven by which humanity can be saved ([Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Salvation in No Other Name")). Thus, Acts 4:11 is not merely a historical account of Peter's defense but a profound Christological statement affirming Jesus' unique and eternal preeminence in salvation history.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 118:22

The stone [which] the builders refused is become the head [stone] of the corner.

Psalms 118:23

This is the LORD'S doing; it [is] marvellous in our eyes.

Isaiah 28:16

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner [stone], a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.

Mark 12:10

And have ye not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner:

Mark 12:12

And they sought to lay hold on him, but feared the people: for they knew that he had spoken the parable against them: and they left him, and went their way.

Matthew 21:42

Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?

Matthew 21:45

And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them.