1 Peter 2:4-8 Meaning: The Living Stone and the Chosen People
Introduction
In 1 Peter 2:4-8, the apostle Peter writes to encourage and instruct the early Christian believers who were facing persecution and difficulties. In this passage, Peter uses the imagery of a living stone and a chosen people to describe the nature and purpose of God's people.
The Living Stone (1 Peter 2:4-5)
"As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him—you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 2:4-5, NIV)
In this passage, Peter describes Jesus Christ as the "living Stone" who was rejected by humans but chosen by God. This Stone is precious to God, and through faith in Him, believers become "living stones" being built into a spiritual house. This spiritual house is not a physical building, but a community of believers who are united in their faith in Jesus Christ.
The Chosen People (1 Peter 2:6-8)
"For in Scripture it says: 'See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.' Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, 'The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,' and, 'A stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.' They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for." (1 Peter 2:6-8, NIV)
In these verses, Peter quotes from Isaiah 28:16, which speaks of a stone laid in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone. This cornerstone is Jesus Christ, who is precious to those who believe in Him. However, to those who do not believe, Jesus becomes a stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.
Conclusion
In 1 Peter 2:4-8, Peter reminds believers that they are part of a spiritual house, built on the foundation of Jesus Christ, the living Stone. As living stones, believers are being built into a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God. The passage also highlights the significance of Jesus Christ as the cornerstone, who is precious to those who believe in Him, but a stumbling block to those who do not.
Reflection Questions
- How do you see yourself as a living stone in God's spiritual house?
- How does Jesus Christ, the living Stone, serve as the cornerstone of your faith?
- In what ways do you see Jesus Christ as a stumbling block to those who do not believe in Him?
