Who Truly Forms the Foundation? Exploring Biblical Contradictions
In this article, you will learn how Ephesians 2:20 contradicts Matthew 16:18, 1 Corinthians 3:11, 1 Peter 2:6 and Revelation 21:14. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
The Bible, a cornerstone of Christian faith, offers profound insights but also presents intriguing contradictions. One such instance revolves around the foundation of Christianity and the roles played by various figures within it. Ephesians 2:20 presents the idea that Christians are like a building, constructed on the teachings of the early apostles and prophets, with Jesus as the most essential component. However, this interpretation faces contradictions elsewhere in the scripture.
In Matthew 16:18, Jesus tells Peter that he will be the rock upon which the church is built, placing significant emphasis on Peter’s role. This depiction contrasts with Ephesians 2:20, where the foundation includes all apostles and prophets, not spotlighting any single individual like Peter. This discrepancy can be likened to a house having multiple pillars instead of resting solely on one distinguished column.
Further complications arise when we examine 1 Corinthians 3:11. Here, Paul asserts that Jesus Christ is the singular foundation upon which everything should be built, seemingly contradicting the notion in Ephesians that includes apostles and prophets as foundational elements. It raises the question: Is it a many-bricked wall or a single cornerstone that truly supports the faith?
Moreover, 1 Peter 2:6 focuses solely on Jesus as the chief cornerstone, omitting apostles and prophets, suggesting a structure upheld solely by Jesus. This portrayal creates an impression of a building sustained by one central stone, diverging from the multi-faceted foundation described in Ephesians.
Finally, Revelation 21:14 lists the apostles as the foundation of the New Jerusalem but makes no mention of prophets, presenting yet another variation.
These varied perspectives invite contemplation: What truly forms the bedrock of Christian faith? Are the apostles and prophets integral pieces or is it Christ alone who upholds everything? Such contradictions provide rich ground for theological exploration and personal reflection.
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Ephesians 2:20 | And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner [stone]; |
| 2. | Matthew 16:18 | And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. [Peter: this name signifies a rock] |
| 3. | 1 Corinthians 3:11 | For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. |
| 4. | 1 Peter 2:6 | Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. |
| 5. | Revelation 21:14 | And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. |