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    The Rejected Stone, Now Cornerstone

    Acts 4:11 Commentary

    In-depth meaning, historical context, and practical application

    Written by Bible Sundays Editorial TeamChecked by Bible Sundays Scripture DeskLast reviewed August 1, 2026Our editorial standards
    "This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner."
    — Acts 4:11 (KJV)
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    Introduction

    One verse before the famous 'neither is there salvation in any other' (v. 12), Peter identifies Jesus as the rejected-yet-exalted Stone of Psalm 118:22. Verse 12's exclusivity rests on v. 11's resurrection-vindication.

    Historical Context

    Peter is on trial before the same Sanhedrin that condemned Jesus weeks earlier. He turns the dock into a pulpit, quoting Psalm 118 — a psalm sung at the feast — and applying it to the judges before him: 'you builders rejected the Stone God has now exalted.'

    Original Language Insights

    'Set at nought' (exoutheneō) — to despise as worthless, count as nothing.

    'Head of the corner' (kephalē gōnias) — the foundational cornerstone that aligns the whole building.

    Theological Significance

    Resurrection reversed the world's verdict on Jesus. The very Stone the experts discarded is the only Stone the building stands on. There is no kingdom of God without the rejected-and-risen Christ at its corner.

    Practical Application

    What part of Jesus' teaching or claims have you been tempted to set aside as worthless? V. 11 warns: the Stone you reject is the only one that holds. Bring your discarded pieces of Christ back into faith.

    Cross-References & Related Scriptures

    Acts 4:12

    "Neither is there salvation in any other."

    The very next verse — because Christ is the cornerstone (v. 11), no other foundation saves.

    Psalm 118:22

    "The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner."

    The Old Testament source Peter quotes — a thousand-year-old prophecy of resurrection-vindication.

    Prayer Response

    Lord Jesus, You are the Cornerstone the world rejected and God exalted. Build my life on You alone. Amen.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Who were the 'builders'?

    The Jewish religious leadership — priests, scribes, and Sanhedrin members — who had charge of constructing Israel's spiritual life and rejected Jesus as Messiah.

    Read commentary on surrounding verses

    Continue studying Acts 4 verse by verse:

    After · Acts 4:12Exact verse

    Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

    Theme: Salvation Through Christ

    After · Acts 4:13Exact verse

    Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

    Theme: Unlearned Men Who Had Been With Jesus

    Nearest commentary in Acts

    Earlier · 2 ch back · Acts 2:1-4Nearest chapter

    And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

    Theme: The Coming of the Holy Spirit

    Earlier · 2 ch back · Acts 2:4Nearest chapter

    And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

    Theme: Holy Spirit

    Earlier · 2 ch back · Acts 2:38Nearest chapter

    Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

    Theme: Salvation & Redemption

    Earlier · 1 ch back · Acts 3:19Nearest chapter

    Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.

    Theme: Repentance & Refreshing

    Read Acts 3Commentary: Acts 3:19
    Read Acts 4 (full)Nearest commentary: Acts 4:12
    Read Acts 5No commentary yet
    Previous commentary: Acts 3:19Next commentary: Acts 4:12

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    Related Bible Questions

    Common questions people ask about this passage — answered with KJV scripture.

    What is justification by faith?

    Justification by faith is the doctrine that sinners are declared righteous before God not by works but through faith in Jesus Christ, a cornerstone of Protestant theology.

    Read answer

    What Does the Bible Say About the Resurrection of the Dead?

    The bodily resurrection is a cornerstone of Christian faith — Christ rose first, and all believers will be raised with glorified bodies.

    Read answer

    How Does Noah's Flood Connect to Baptism?

    Peter explicitly connects the flood to baptism — just as Noah's family was saved through water, baptism now symbolizes salvation through Christ's resurrection.

    Read answer

    What Happens at the Great White Throne?

    At the Great White Throne, all who rejected Christ stand before God, are judged by their works and the Book of Life, and are cast into the lake of fire.

    Read answer

    Does the Bible Say to Forgive Yourself?

    While 'forgive yourself' isn't a biblical phrase, Scripture teaches that believers should receive God's forgiveness fully, stop condemning themselves, and live in the freedom Christ purchased — 'There is therefore now no condemnation.'

    Read answer

    What Is Abraham's Bosom?

    Abraham's bosom is the biblical term for the place of comfort and blessing where the righteous dead dwelt before Christ's resurrection, equivalent to paradise and now located in heaven.

    Read answer

    Quick Devotional

    For a shorter devotional reflection on related verses:

    Acts 1:8 – Meaning & Devotional

    "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."

    Acts 2:38 – Meaning & Devotional

    "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."

    Acts 2:38 – Meaning & Devotional

    "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."

    Related Miracles

    Signs and wonders connected to this passage and its themes:

    Healing
    New Testament

    Healing of the Lame Man at the Beautiful Gate

    Peter and John heal a man lame from birth at the temple gate called Beautiful.

    Read the miracle
    Deliverance & Judgment
    New Testament

    Earthquake Frees Paul and Silas in Philippi

    An earthquake shakes the prison at midnight as Paul and Silas sing, opening every door and loosing every chain.

    Read the miracle
    Signs & Wonders
    New Testament

    Pentecost — Tongues of Fire

    The Holy Spirit fell on the disciples with a rushing wind and cloven tongues of fire on the day of Pentecost.

    Read the miracle
    Deliverance & Judgment
    New Testament

    Peter Released from Prison by an Angel

    An angel of the Lord wakes Peter in prison, opens chains and gates, and leads him to freedom.

    Read the miracle

    Related Reading

    Continue your study with related content from across our library:

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    Luke 22:41 Commentary

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    1 Peter 2:8 Commentary

    In-depth study • The Stone That Divides

    Commentary

    Psalm 27:6 Commentary

    In-depth study • Head Lifted, Heart Singing

    Word Meaning

    Stone (אֶבֶן (eben))

    A solid, enduring substance — representing permanence, witness, foundation, and Christ.

    Strong's

    Strong's H68 — Stone

    אֶבֶן (eben) • A solid, enduring substance — representing permanence, witness, foundation, and Christ.

    Parable

    The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders

    Matthew 7:24 • Stewardship & Responsibility

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