New Testament
Acts 4:11
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Jesus is 'the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.'
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This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.
What Acts 4:11 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Peter is highlighting the significance of Jesus by comparing Him to a stone that builders rejected. This stone, which represents Jesus, has become the cornerstone, the most important part of a building. The cornerstone is essential for stability and strength, and it sets the direction for the entire structure. By rejecting Jesus, the builders missed out on the very foundation they needed. This rejection is a powerful reminder of how people can overlook what is truly valuable. Jesus, once dismissed, is now recognized as the key to faith and salvation. This verse encourages us to reflect on our own lives and consider whether we are embracing or rejecting the important truths that can guide us. It challenges us to recognize the value of Jesus in our lives and to build our lives on His teachings, which provide a solid foundation for everything we do. Ultimately, this verse calls us to acknowledge Jesus as the cornerstone of our faith and to ensure that we are not missing out on His transformative power.
How to apply Acts 4:11 to your life
Consider what you might be overlooking in your life that could be foundational for your growth. Are there truths or values you’ve dismissed? Embrace the teachings of Jesus and allow them to shape your decisions and relationships. Building your life on His principles can lead to lasting fulfillment and purpose. Trust in His guidance as your cornerstone for life’s journey.
Curated for this public verse page. Acts Summary
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Illustrated scene from Peter's story: “We Cannot Stop Speaking” (Acts 4:1–22)
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Peter
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
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Keep studying Acts 4:11
Related Bible verses
At a Glance — the Book of Acts
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 62
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Acts 4:11 mean by 'the stone you builders rejected'?
In Acts 4:11, Peter refers to Jesus as the stone that was rejected by the builders, symbolizing how religious leaders and others dismissed Him despite His significance. This rejection highlights the irony that the very one they overlooked became the cornerstone, essential for the faith and salvation of believers. It serves as a reminder of how people can miss out on what is truly valuable.
Why is Jesus called the cornerstone in Acts 4:11?
Jesus is called the cornerstone because, like a cornerstone in a building, He is foundational to the Christian faith. The cornerstone is the first stone set in the construction, determining the position of the entire structure. By identifying Jesus as the cornerstone, the verse emphasizes His crucial role in establishing the faith and guiding believers in their spiritual journey.
How can Acts 4:11 apply to my life today?
Acts 4:11 encourages us to evaluate what we may be overlooking in our lives. It challenges us to consider whether we are rejecting important truths or values, particularly those found in Jesus' teachings. By embracing Jesus as the cornerstone of our lives, we can build a strong foundation that leads to fulfillment and purpose, guiding our decisions and relationships.
What are the implications of rejecting Jesus according to Acts 4:11?
Rejecting Jesus, as highlighted in Acts 4:11, implies missing out on the essential foundation for faith and salvation. It suggests that those who dismiss Him overlook the transformative power He offers. The verse serves as a warning about the consequences of ignoring what is truly important, urging individuals to recognize and embrace Jesus as the cornerstone of their lives.
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