1 Peter 2:4-8

A Living Stone and a Holy People

4 As you come to him, a living stone n rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, 5 o you yourselves like living stones are being built up as p a spiritual house, to be q a holy priesthood, r to offer spiritual sacrifices s acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

6 For it stands in Scripture:
t "Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone,
a cornerstone chosen and precious,
u and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame."

7 So the honor is for you who v believe, but for those who v do not believe,
w "The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone," 1

8 and
x "A stone of stumbling,
and a rock of offense."
They stumble because they disobey the word, y as they were destined to do.

  1. Cross References
    1 Peter 2:6 - 7
    For it stands in Scripture: "Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.
  2. Cross References
    Ephesians 2:20 - 22
    Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone.
    1 Corinthians 3:9
    For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building.
  3. Cross References
    Hebrews 3:4
    (For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God.)
    Hebrews 3:6
    But Christ is faithful over God's house as a son. And we are his house if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope.
  4. Cross References
    1 Peter 2:9
    But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
  5. Cross References
    Isaiah 56:7
    These I will bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer; their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.
    Malachi 1:11
    For from the rising of the sun to its setting my name will be great among the nations, and in every place incense will be offered to my name, and a pure offering. For my name will be great among the nations, says the Lord of hosts.
    Romans 12:1
    I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
    Hebrews 13:15
    Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.
  6. Cross References
    Romans 15:16
    To be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
    Philippians 4:18
    I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.
  7. Cross References
    Isaiah 28:16
    Therefore thus says the Lord God, "Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation: 'Whoever believes will not be in haste.
  8. Cross References
    Romans 9:33
    As it is written, "Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense; and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.
    Romans 10:11
    For the Scripture says, "Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.
  9. Cross References
    Isaiah 28:16
    Therefore thus says the Lord God, "Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation: 'Whoever believes will not be in haste.
  10. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 2:16
    To one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things?
  11. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 2:16
    To one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things?
  12. Cross References
    Psalms 118:22
    The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.
  13. Cross References
    Psalms 118:22
    The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.
  14. Cross References
    Romans 9:33
    As it is written, "Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense; and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.
    Isaiah 8:14
    And he will become a sanctuary and a stone of offense and a rock of stumbling to both houses of Israel, a trap and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
  15. Cross References
    Romans 9:22
    What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction.
    Jude 1:4
    For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.
  16. Cross References
    Isaiah 8:14
    And he will become a sanctuary and a stone of offense and a rock of stumbling to both houses of Israel, a trap and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.