‘The foundations of the walls of the city were adorned with all manner of precious stone, the first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth, emerald, the fifth, sardonyx, the sixth, sardius, the seventh, chrysolite, the eighth, beryl, the ninth, topaz, the tenth, chrysoprase, the eleventh iacinth, the twelfth, amethyst,'
Identification of the stones is not possible on our present state of knowledge, but they are probably intended to parallel the stones in the High Priest's breastplate (Exodus 28:17 on; Exodus 39:10 on), compare also Ezekiel's description of Tyre (Ezekiel 28:13 on). So the purpose of the stones is to accentuate the splendour of the city, but also to indicate that those who dwell there can freely approach God. The stones are the foundation, containing the names of the twelve Apostles (Revelation 21:14). It is possible therefore that the apostles (the foundation) are seen as replacing the position of the High Priest, bearing the names of God's people before God. Indeed, while there is no Temple (Revelation 21:22), the city itself is the equivalent of the inner Sanctuary, and its Apostles are the High Priest. The Lord God, the Almighty, and the Lamb are its Temple. Thus we have underlined the unity of God's people with Himself, as being the Sanctuary within the Temple.