Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Ephesians 2:21

"in whom each several building, fitly framed together, groweth into a holy temple in the Lord;" — Ephesians 2:21 (ASV)

Paul expounds on the significance of the building. The function of the cornerstone (v.20) is precisely defined by “joined together” (GK 5274; cf. 4:16), a verb embracing the complicated process of masonry by which stones are fitted together. Paul refers to “whole building” rather than to each separate building. It has no article in the Greek, implying that the work is still in progress—i.e., “all building that is being done.” “Rises” strengthens the insistence on continuing progress and organic growth. The word used for “temple” (GK 3724) denotes not the entire holy precinct, but the inner shrine. This metaphor is applied in the NT to both the individual and the church (cf. 1 Corinthians 3:16–17; 6:19; 2 Corinthians 6:16). Without doubt, Paul had the Jewish temple in mind, but he may also have had in mind the famous temple of Artemis at Ephesus, which was one of the seven wonders of the world. Paul’s mission in Ephesus had brought him into head-on collision with the cult of the goddess (Acts 19:23–41).