Ephesians 2:21 meaning

In this passage, Paul utilizes architectural imagery to convey the interconnectedness and unity among believers, depicting the church as a living, spiritual structure being built by God. This is particularly significant given the context of Ephesus, home to the grand temple of Artemis, a symbol of human achievement in architecture and spirituality. The apostle contrasts this with a divine edifice, stressing that believers, both Jew and Gentile, are being added as "stones" to a sacred temple that God inhabits through His Spirit. This new temple is built upon Christ as the cornerstone, emphasizing the core of Christian faith being grounded in Him.

Paul's metaphor serves to illustrate that the church transcends ethnic and cultural barriers, creating a unified body of believers. This passage reveals that every member plays a vital role in this growth, contributing to a holy temple where God dwells and is worshipped. In essence, this reflects the biblical principle that all believers are part of a global family, invited to engage in communal worship and service, thus fulfilling the divine purpose of reconciliation and peace among all people in Christ.