{6} Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.

(6) He proves it by the testimony of the prophet Isaiah.

People's New Testament

2:6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture. See Isa 28:16 Ro 9:33.

Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone. Hence God had foretold that Christ should be a Living Stone (1Pe 2:4). Peter has not quoted the passage in full which declares that the stone is a tried stone, a sure foundation.

Elect. Hence, chosen by God (1Pe 2:4).

Precious. Since it is the chief corner stone without which the structure could not be built.

And he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Hence this stone is a person, and faith in him is the basis of salvation.

Wesley's Notes

2:6 He that believeth shall not be confounded - In time or in eternity. Isaiah 28:16.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

6. Wherefore also-The oldest manuscripts read, "Because that." The statement above is so "because it is contained in Scripture."

Behold-calling attention to the glorious announcement of His eternal counsel.

elect-so also believers (1Pe 2:9, "chosen," Greek, "elect generation").

precious-in Hebrew, Isa 28:16, "a corner-stone of preciousness." See on [2615]Isa 28:16. So in 1Pe 2:7, Christ is said to be, to believers, "precious," Greek, "preciousness."

confounded-same Greek as in Ro 9:33 (Peter here as elsewhere confirming Paul's teaching. See [2616]Introduction; also Ro 10:11), "ashamed." In Isa 28:16, "make haste," that is, flee in sudden panic, covered with the shame of confounded hopes.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

2:1-10 Evil-speaking is a sign of malice and guile in the heart; and hinders our profiting by the word of God. A new life needs suitable food. Infants desire milk, and make the best endeavours for it which they are able to do; such must be a Christian's desires after the word of God. Our Lord Jesus Christ is very merciful to us miserable sinners; and he has a fulness of grace. But even the best of God's servants, in this life, have only a taste of the consolations of God. Christ is called a Stone, to teach his servants that he is their protection and security, the foundation on which they are built. He is precious in the excellence of his nature, the dignity of his office, and the glory of his services. All true believers are a holy priesthood; sacred to God, serviceable to others, endowed with heavenly gifts and graces. But the most spiritual sacrifices of the best in prayer and praise are not acceptable, except through Jesus Christ. Christ is the chief Corner-stone, that unites the whole number of believers into one everlasting temple, and bears the weight of the whole fabric. Elected, or chosen, for a foundation that is everlasting. Precious beyond compare, by all that can give worth. To be built on Christ means, to believe in him; but in this many deceive themselves, they consider not what it is, nor the necessity of it, to partake of the salvation he has wrought. Though the frame of the world were falling to pieces, that man who is built on this foundation may hear it without fear. He shall not be confounded. The believing soul makes haste to Christ, but it never finds cause to hasten from him. All true Christians are a chosen generation; they make one family, a people distinct from the world: of another spirit, principle, and practice; which they could never be, if they were not chosen in Christ to be such, and sanctified by his Spirit. Their first state is a state of gross darkness, but they are called out of darkness into a state of joy, pleasure, and prosperity; that they should show forth the praises of the Lord by their profession of his truth, and their good conduct. How vast their obligations to Him who has made them his people, and has shown mercy to them! To be without this mercy is a woful state, though a man have all worldly enjoyments. And there is nothing that so kindly works repentance, as right thoughts of the mercy and love of God. Let us not dare to abuse and affront the free grace of God, if we mean to be saved by it; but let all who would be found among those who obtain mercy, walk as his people.