A cap stone on a building is a stone placed high that both completes a structure and serves as a mechanism of protection for the walls below it. In the first century, Peter expounded on this concept, explaining to the early church that they are a precious capstone in the eyes of God. In fact Peter uses the word "precious" a number of times in his letter, signifying a deep importance, love, and value for every "stone", every member of the church in God's eyes. What is also significantly telling about this concept is that this very stone is also compared to a cornerstone, that those who refuse to believe stumble over and fall on because their hearts are set on disobedience.