Peter introduces Christ as living stone, foundation of spiritual house. "To whom coming" (pros hon prosechomenoi)—present participle indicating continuous action: believers keep coming to Christ. He is "a living stone" (lithon zōnta)—paradoxical imagery, as stones are typically dead/inert. Christ lives eternally, the cornerstone of God's building (the church). He is "disallowed indeed of men" (hypo anthrōpōn men apodedokimasmen on)—rejected by human builders who deemed Him unsuitable (fulfilled in Sanhedrin's rejection). Yet "chosen of God, and precious" (para de theō eklekton entimon)—God selected and valued Christ supremely. Human rejection doesn't nullify divine election. This anticipates verses 6-8's fuller development of cornerstone theme.
Historical Context
Peter alludes to Psalm 118:22 ("stone which builders rejected became chief cornerstone") and Isaiah 28:16 ("I lay in Zion a chief corner stone, elect, precious"). Jesus applied Psalm 118:22 to Himself (Matthew 21:42). Religious leaders rejected Jesus, but God vindicated Him through resurrection and exaltation. For persecuted believers facing rejection by Roman society and Jewish communities, this provided enormous encouragement—they aligned with God's chosen one, not human rejecters. Early church understood itself as built upon Christ the cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20-22).
Questions for Reflection
How does Christ's rejection by humans but election by God encourage you when facing rejection for faith?
What does it mean practically to keep 'coming to' Christ as living stone in daily Christian life?
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Analysis & Commentary
Peter introduces Christ as living stone, foundation of spiritual house. "To whom coming" (pros hon prosechomenoi)—present participle indicating continuous action: believers keep coming to Christ. He is "a living stone" (lithon zōnta)—paradoxical imagery, as stones are typically dead/inert. Christ lives eternally, the cornerstone of God's building (the church). He is "disallowed indeed of men" (hypo anthrōpōn men apodedokimasmen on)—rejected by human builders who deemed Him unsuitable (fulfilled in Sanhedrin's rejection). Yet "chosen of God, and precious" (para de theō eklekton entimon)—God selected and valued Christ supremely. Human rejection doesn't nullify divine election. This anticipates verses 6-8's fuller development of cornerstone theme.