ContradictionsReading order 348Bible context 2 min read
What is the foundation of the church?
Two building metaphors assign the foundation differently, with Corinthians reserving it exclusively for Christ.
- Textual conflict
- Weak tension
- The alleged conflict needs substantial assumptions, such as treating an omission as a denial or figurative language as literal.
- Importance
- Major
- A major event or claim with wider implications.
The foundation metaphors assign Christ and the apostles different roles, but their figurative wording and the meaning of the apostles' foundation remain flexible.
An editorial assessment of the quoted passages. Importance describes the stakes; it does not increase certainty. Reading order weighs both.
Christ is the only foundation that can be laid
For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building. According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 3:9-11
Translation / edition: King James Version (KJV)
Read the full chapter:1 Corinthians 3
Apostles and prophets form the foundation with Christ as cornerstone
Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
Ephesians 2:19-20
Translation / edition: King James Version (KJV)