Bible Class Notes on 1 Peter 2:7-8

This verse is poorly translated in the Revised Standard Version and New King James Version. A better translation would read: “For you therefore that believe is the preciousness” (ASV) or “This precious value, then is for you who believe” (NASB). The idea being expressed here is not that Christ is precious. The idea is that the vindication in verse 6 is precious; literally, “Therefore, the honor is to you who believe.”

The first quotation is from Psalm 118:22. In the Gospels (Mk 12:10; Matt 21:42; Lk 20:17), the builders refers to the Jewish authorities who rejected Christ. Here, however, “builders” refers to those who are still in paganism. God made Christ the head of the corner presumably by raising him from the dead (although we are not told that in this passage).

The second quotation comes from Isaiah 8:14. If individuals reject Christ, they will stumble.

There is throughout the New Testament the idea that Christ is a blessing to those who believe and a curse to those who disbelieve. 2 Corinthians 2:15-16. 1 Corinthians 1:23.

Those who do not obey the word stumble as they were destined to do. The word here stands for the gospel (1:25). Contrary to what some might want to teach, these individuals were not destined to disobey. They were destined to stumble if they disobeyed. Their rejection of the gospel wasn’t predetermined; their punishment for rejecting the gospel was.

This sermon was originally preached by Dr. Justin Imel, Sr., at the Owingsville church of Christ in Owingsville, Kentucky.