King James Bible
"And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;"
Paul depicts the church as a building whose foundation consists of the apostles (New Testament witnesses) and prophets (both Old Testament and New Testament revelators). This foundation represents the authoritative teaching and revelation that establishes the church's identity and doctrine. The cornerstone was the first stone laid in ancient construction, determining the building's alignment and binding walls together. Christ as cornerstone means He is both the starting point and the unifying element of the church, giving it structural integrity and proper orientation.