... built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets …
Summary: Looking closely at Paul’s use of language helps us understand the concept behind the words.
This is kinda weird… I just noticed something about Paul’s sentence structure: He has mixed his metaphors.
He starts by saying we are “citizens” and “members of [God’s] household.” Then he says we are “built on a foundation.” Eventually, all of this comes together as a citizen/family/Jesus/building. Are we a family or building materials?
Paul overlays metaphors to paint a word picture of what it means to be in Christ Jesus. Let’s look at the words again, along with the rest of the passage:
“Fellow citizens with God’s people” = citizens of God’s kingdom “Members of his household” = children of God “Built on the foundation” = resting on something solid “Foundation of the apostles and prophets” = the source of God’s Word “Christ Jesus … as the chief cornerstone” = the reference point for everything in the building “The whole building is joined together” = firmly cemented into one piece “Rises” = in the process of being constructed “To become a holy temple” = this kingdom / family / building is dedicated to a specific use “In the Lord” = The Lord Jesus is who makes all of this possible “Become a dwelling” = A place to live “In which God lives” = All of this is intimately tied to God, where he exists for all of his life.
Perhaps the reason Paul mixes his metaphors is that in the natural world families are grown, not built. In a family, Mom and Dad have children who are genetically tied to their parents. Family means to be of the same flesh.
Sometimes a couple cannot physically have children, so they adopt. In this case, the relationship is based on invisible qualities. The bonds of an adoptive family rely solely on love rather than flesh and blood.
Building a family through biological procreation is like growing a tree. Things happen slowly and organically. Flesh begets flesh, and if it is a healthy family, love grows along with physical growth.
Building a family through adoption is much more like constructing a building. A piece of wood that has grown wild has to be cut and shaped so that it fits the intended use. This turns out to be an excellent metaphor for our relationship with the Body of Christ.
To be “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets” is to conform to God’s Word. God’s Temple is not built in the shape of any one individual. Instead, it is built to please God and reflect his Son, Jesus Christ. Between our discovery that we want to be part of God’s family and becoming fully integrated into the Body of Christ, we journey from worldly values to Godly values.
This journey is not one we can take on our own. We need God’s help. We need his Word and his Spirit. The Word of God is the record of God’s proclamations through his prophets and apostles. The Spirit helps us understand God’s Word, and, letting go of the world, we embrace and conform to God’s will.
In the end, billions of us come together. Held together by God, Himself, we become a mixed metaphor: family, kingdom, temple, and dwelling place for God.
Application: Strive with all our strength to conform to God’s will in all things.
Food for Thought: What does it feel like to stand on the “foundation of the apostles and prophets?”
What does it feel like to stand on the “foundation of the apostles and prophets?”
I don’t want to “spoil” a future devotion and talk about the cornerstone. (spoiler alert; it’s Jesus) 🙂
The remaining foundation, the Word inspired by the Holy Spirit, through the apostles and prophets, gives us direct communication with our Heavenly Father.
Jesus said in Matthew 7:7-8 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
Very often I find that I ask questions in prayer and in my mind (directed to the Holy Spirit who is one with God), and the answers are given through scripture. How does that make me feel? Relieved, safe, heard, directed, loved, burden-less; I don’t have all the words to describe it!
Also, the foundation laid by the the apostles and prophets demonstrate men who love God, walking in and with Him, and living of live devoted to Him and to others. I feel hope that I too, one day, may have the same level of relationship with my Father. I pray for that; that we all have that.
Colossians 3:1-3 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
1 Corinthians 7:35 I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord.
Chris,
It’s okay that you peeked ahead! 🙂
Good words! Thank you! I can relate to the feelings you describe. We are blessed to have a record of God’s history with mankind. It is hard to imagine a world where everything about God had to be rediscovered with every new generation.
Great thoughts Chris.
I agree. The foundation of the apostles and prophets is important because through the Holy Spirit they gave us the remainder of God’s word and they were used to start the church. 2 Peter 1: 20 – 21; Acts chapter 2.
They have handed the baton on down to each generation and ultimately to us.
Thanks Rich!
I love the story of Pentecost and how the power of the Holy Spirit makes himself known! Wonderful!
04-27-2023, What does it feel like to stand on the “foundation of the apostles and prophets?”
1 Corinthians 12:28 “And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, one who had been an eye-witness of the resurrected Christ and who could perform miraculous signs.
Acts 1:21-22, 2 Corinthians. 12:12
Second prophets, the term “prophet” was always used to describe a miraculously-inspired individual.
Ephesians 3:5, 2 Peter 2:1, 1 John 4:1
These are all men hand picked by God to proclaim and preserve His revealed truths to all mankind. We live in these truths as we allow Him to shape us into the instrument He has predetermined we are to become. I have life, confidence, peace and a calm heart, knowing I am a child of God, living in His Sovereign will, in all circumstances. While the world worries, and can only see troubles each day, my family and I live appreciating the lives God has given us as we watch the ungodly become increasingly insane.
God is allowing all things to take place, our faith is seen as we remain confident is His will even as we lack understanding.
Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted over the earth.”
Ron,
I like your phrase, “while the world worries…” It sounds like it should be the title of a TV soap opera!
So true, though. While the world worries, we enjoy the peace that passes all understanding. (Philippians 4:7)