Architects agree that in a construction of a building, the strength of its foundation is key to it withstanding time. Therefore, it is dire to insure that the proper depth is created to lay enough of the stone for the foundation so that it may be able to properly distribute and resist the weight of the edifice wanting to be built. Without a doubt, this concept did not escape the mind of the apostle Peter as he wrote his first letter. In his inspired council, he tells his readers that Christ is “a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious” (1st Peter 2:4). In olden times, when a foundation was to be laid, the builder would chose carefully the stone that would serve as his cornerstone. It was important to make this selection very cautiously because the cornerstone was the first stone of the foundation and it was laid for real support. In other words, the cornerstone was the guide and pattern from whence the rest of the building would rely and develop. Although it is the apostle Peter whom we are quoting in this article, he, too, was referencing to Scripture that revealed this concept. Jehovah God had already established that He would “lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; whoever believes will not act hastily” (Isaiah 28:16). Observe the imagery used by the Father through His prophet regarding the cornerstone. This Messianic prophecy describes the Master as a precious stone in the same manner Peter does. Typically, a precious stone is understood to be a gem such as a diamond, ruby, or even an emerald. However, it is logical to see that in a foundation of a building these types of precious stones are of little help in supporting the weight of the building. Therefore, it begs the question what makes this stone so precious? The original Greek word used by the apostle is entimos (εντιμος) and it is described by the lexicographers as something honorable or prized (Thayer, G1784). We are told in Isaiah’s prophecy that this cornerstone had been “tried” and because of this it would provide a “sure foundation.” In his letter to the church in Philippi, Paul exudes the humility of the Master displayed by becoming “obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:8). His emphasis on the form of death our Lord endured is a reminder that “he who is hanged [on a tree] is accursed of God” (Deuteronomy 21:22-23). Yet, in the case of Jesus, it was this willingness to die in such a “dishonorable” way for man’s sins that earned Him the right to be “highly exalted” by the Father (Philippians 2:9). The Master was able to convert a curse into a blessing, grasping the honor from His Father to be granted “the name which is above every name.” This loyal fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy is manifested in the Redeemer’s willing sacrifice for all of humanity. Hence the description placed upon Him as a precious cornerstone. To be able to grasp the realization that Jesus was chosen so that He may die by what was held by humanity a shameful death is truly profound and mesmerizing. This marvelous lesson in faithful and voluntary obedience is what the apostles exhibit as precious and mighty before God. It is important not to forget that, in architecture, the purpose of a cornerstone (in ancient construction) was to support the weight of the building as well as guide the rest of the construction. The wisdom in the teachings of the apostle Peter is that there is no other stronger cornerstone than Jesus; there is no other cornerstone more valuable than Jesus. It is a no wonder why he exclaimed “this is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’ Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:11-12). His reference of the Lord as the stone and His unique name reveal both His strength and His value. Only Jesus Christ had the fortitude to endure the entirety of humanity’s lustful ways in the shame of the cross; only the sacrifice of Jesus Christ had been deemed worthy enough by the Father to pay the ransom of our captivity. This is the enlightenment provided by the apostle Peter in his description of the Master as our chosen, precious cornerstone. Inspired by the Holy Ghost, Peter is sharing with us the same lesson he learned long before the Christ was crucified. It is wise not to forget that it was he who expressed, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). This was very likely in the mind of the apostle as he wrote his exhortation to a church besieged by persecution. Undoubtedly, he still heard the gentle, yet powerful voice of Jesus as He responded to him, “Blessed are you Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:17-18). This magnificent revelation by our Master to Peter confirms the apostle’s description. The source from whence Peter had been illuminated this undeniable truth was none other than by the heavenly Father. It proved to the then disciple of how mighty Jesus truly is since this prophecy had been spoken several centuries before, but it also made manifest how valuable Jesus truly is since He had descended from heaven itself; the coveted realm all men seek to reach one day in eternity. Indeed, these amazing words were eternally etched in the mind of the formerly named Simon. So powerful was this instruction that it transformed even him from a weak man (for the name Simon means weak) into a powerful one (for the name Peter means stone or rock). However, we must not make the mistake to falsely believe that the rock upon which the Master was to build His church is Peter as some tend to do so. Let us take into account that Peter himself is teaching his readers that Jesus (whom he confessed as the Son of the living God) is the precious, chosen stone of God. Once more, it was this divine revelation that had the power to transform the apostle himself. He was a product of this marvelous transformation through Christ because he did “not act hastily” (Isaiah 28:16b). Instead, in the exact manner he councils us to do, he accepted Him as Jehovah God’s chosen, precious stone and came to Him. The consequence of this decision was his new found strength in Him.
