²⁰ built^(A) on the foundation^(B) of the apostles and prophets,^(C) with Christ Jesus himself^(D) as the chief cornerstone.^(E)

The Living Stone and a Chosen People

⁴ As you come to him, the living Stone^(A)—rejected by humans but chosen by God^(B) and precious to him— ⁵ you also, like living stones, are being built^(C) into a spiritual house^[a](D) to be a holy priesthood,^(E) offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.^(F)

¹⁶ So this is what the Sovereign Lord says:

⁷ Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe,^(A)

⁸ and,

They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for.^(E)

¹⁸ And I tell you that you are Peter,^[a](A) and on this rock I will build my church,^(B) and the gates of Hades^[b] will not overcome it.

¹¹ So Christ himself gave^(A) the apostles,^(B) the prophets,^(C) the evangelists,^(D) the pastors and teachers,^{(E) 12} to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ^(F) may be built up^{(G) 13} until we all reach unity^(H) in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God^(I) and become mature,^(J) attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.^(K)

¹⁴ The wall of the city had twelve foundations,^(A) and on them were the names of the twelve apostles^(B) of the Lamb.

⁹ For we are co-workers in God’s service;^(A) you are God’s field,^(B) God’s building.^(C)

¹⁰ By the grace God has given me,^(D) I laid a foundation^(E) as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. ¹¹ For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.^(F)