Yes, Jesus is the chief cornerstone because He is the stone of Scripture, rejected by Israel's builders, yet chosen by God to be the head of the corner.
Les Feldick teaches that throughout Scripture, whenever the term 'rock' or 'stone' is used symbolically, it refers to Jesus Christ. He is the stone that the builders (Israel's leaders) refused, fulfilling Psalm 118:22, but He will become the headstone of the corner in the future. The legend of Solomon's temple illustrates this: the chief cornerstone arrived early, was not recognized, and was cast aside, only to become a stumbling stone to those who tripped over it.
Psalm 118:22 — This verse directly states that the stone which the builders refused has become the headstone of the corner, which refers to Christ's rejection and future exaltation.
Psalm 118:22 says, "The stone which the builders refused is become the headstone of the corner." This verse is quoted by Peter in Acts 4:11 when he addresses the religious leaders of Israel: "This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner." (KJV) The context is Peter's bold declaration that salvation is found only in Jesus Christ, whom they crucified but God raised from the dead (Acts 4:10).
Les emphasizes that Jesus is consistently the 'rock' or 'stone' in Scripture's symbolic language (clip 7). He explains that the 'stone which the builders refused' (Psalm 118:22) refers to the crucifixion, when Israel's leaders rejected Christ. However, the second half of the verse—'is become the headstone of the corner'—remains future, awaiting His second coming (clip 4). Les also uses the non-scriptural legend of Solomon's temple to illustrate: the chief cornerstone was sent from the quarry, but the builders didn't recognize it and cast it aside. It became a stumbling stone in a vacant lot, just as Christ became a stone of stumbling to Israel (clips 1, 2, 3).
Les shares a legend (not Scripture) about the building of Solomon's temple, where all stones were pre-cut at the quarry and silently set in place. The chief cornerstone—the final stone holding the arch together—arrived early, but the builders did not recognize it and threw it into a vacant lot. Weeds grew up, and passersby stumbled over it. This pictures Christ: the chief cornerstone sent by God, rejected by Israel's builders, and becoming a stone of stumbling.
Les teaches that all through Scripture, whenever 'rock' or 'stone' is used symbolically, it refers exclusively to Jesus Christ. He is the 'living stone' disallowed by men, as Peter writes, and the 'stone of stumbling' to Israel. This consistent symbolism underscores that Christ is the foundation and center of God's plan.
The Stone Quoted in Acts 4
Les explains that Peter's message in Acts 4 is directed to Israel, and he quotes Psalm 118:22, identifying Jesus as the stone set at nought by the builders.
The Legend of the Chief Cornerstone
Les introduces the non-scriptural legend of Solomon's temple, where the chief cornerstone was sent early but not recognized, illustrating Christ's rejection.
Israel's Rejection and the Stumbling Stone
Les applies the legend to Israel: as builders of God's kingdom, they rejected the chief cornerstone, making Christ a stone of stumbling to them.
The Legend Retold
Les retells the same legend, emphasizing how the discarded cornerstone became a stumbling block, perfectly picturing Israel's response to Christ.
Psalm 118:22 Fulfilled and Future
Les explains that the 'stone which the builders refused' was fulfilled at the crucifixion, but the 'headstone of the corner' is still future, awaiting the Millennial Kingdom.
Christ as the Rock and Stone of Scripture
Les reinforces that Christ is always the rock/stone of Scripture, and that His rejection at the crucifixion fulfilled Psalm 118:22's first half.
The Living Stone in 1 Peter
Les notes that Peter calls Christ the 'living stone' disallowed by men, again showing that the stone analogy points to Christ's rejection and God's choice of Him.
Rock Symbolism Always Refers to Christ
Les establishes that whenever the Bible uses 'rock' or 'stone' symbolically, it always refers to Jesus, confirming He is the chief cornerstone.
Psalm 118:22: The stone which the builders refused is become the headstone of the corner.
This is the Old Testament prophecy that Jesus fulfills as the rejected cornerstone.
Acts 4:11: This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.
Peter directly applies Psalm 118:22 to Jesus in his address to Israel's religious leaders.
1 Peter 2:4: To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,
Peter again uses the stone analogy to describe Christ's rejection and divine choice.
The chief cornerstone is the central stone at the top of an arch that holds all other stones together. In Scripture, it symbolizes Christ as the one who upholds God's kingdom, though He was rejected by Israel's builders.
No, Les clarifies it is a legend, not Scripture. However, it powerfully illustrates how Israel rejected Christ, who is the true chief cornerstone.
Les teaches that the headstone becoming the corner is still future. The rejection was fulfilled at the crucifixion, but the exaltation will occur when Christ returns and is recognized as the chief cornerstone.
Watch the Teaching: Acts 4 Explained: No Other Name — Only Jesus Saves