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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 2 Corinthians 1:15–24. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
The apostle here vindicates himself from the imputation of levity and inconstancy, in that he did not hold his purpose of coming to them at Corinth. His adversaries there sought all occasions to blemish his character, and reflect upon his conduct; and, it seemed, they took hold of this handle to reproach his person and discredit his ministry. Now, for his justification,
I.He avers the sincerity of his intention (Co2 1:15-17), and he does this in confidence of their good opinion of him, and that they would believe him, when he assured them he was minded, or did really intend, to come to them, and that with the design, not that he might receive, but that they might receive a second benefit, that is, a further advantage by his ministry. He tells them that he had not herein used lightness (Co2 1:17), that, as he aimed not at any secular advantage to himself (for his purpose was not according to the flesh, that is, with carnal views and aims), so it was not a rash and inconsiderate resolution that he had taken up, for he had laid his measures thus of passing by them to Macedonia, and coming again to them from Macedonia in his way to Judea (Co2 1:16), and therefore they might conclude that it was for some weighty reasons that he had altered his purpose; and that with him there was not yea yea, and nay nay, Co2 1:17. He was not to be accused of levity and inconstancy, nor a contradiction between his words and intentions. Note, Good men should be careful to preserve the reputation of sincerity and constancy; they should not resolve but upon mature deliberation, and they will not change their resolves but for weighty reasons.
II.He would not have the Corinthians to infer that his gospel was false or uncertain, nor that it was contradictory in itself, nor unto truth, Co2 1:18, Co2 1:19. For if it had been so, that he had been fickle in his purposes, or even false in the promises he made of coming to them (which he was not justly to be accused of, and so some understand his expression, Co2 1:18, Our word towards you was not yea and nay), yet it would not follow that the gospel preached not only by him, but also by others in full agreement with him, was either false or doubtful. For God is true, and the Son of God, Jesus Christ, is true. The true God, and eternal life. Jesus Christ, whom the apostle preached, is not yea and nay, but in him was yea (Co2 1:19), nothing but infallible truth. And the promises of God in Christ are not yea and nay, but yea and amen, Co2 1:20. There is an inviolable constancy and unquestionable sincerity and certainty in all the parts of the gospel of Christ. If in the promises that the ministers of the gospel make as common men, and about their own affairs, they see cause sometimes to vary from them, yet the promises of the gospel covenant, which they preach, stand firm and inviolable. Bad men are false; good men are fickle; but God is true, neither fickle nor false. The apostle, having mentioned the stability of the divine promises, makes a digression to illustrate this great and sweet truth, that all the promises of God are yea and amen. For,
1.They are the promises of the God of truth (Co2 1:20), of him that cannot lie, whose truth as well as mercy endureth for ever.
2.They are made in Christ Jesus (Co2 1:20), the Amen, the true and faithful witness; he hath purchased and ratified the covenant of promises, and is the surety of the covenant, Heb 7:22.
3.They are confirmed by the Holy Spirit. He does establish Christians in the faith of the gospel; he has anointed them with his sanctifying grace, which in scripture is often compared to oil; he has sealed them, for their security and confirmation; and he is given as an earnest in their hearts, Co2 1:21, Co2 1:22. An earnest secures the promise, and is part of the payment. The illumination of the Spirit is an earnest of everlasting life; and the comforts of the Spirit are an earnest of everlasting joy. Note, The veracity of God, the mediation of Christ, and the operation of the Spirit, are all engaged that the promises shall be sure to all the seed, and the accomplishment of them shall be to the glory of God (Co2 1:20) for the glory of his rich and sovereign grace, and never-failing truth and faithfulness.
III.The apostle gives a good reason why he did not come to Corinth, as was expected, Co2 1:23.
It was that he might spare them. They ought therefore to own his kindness and tenderness. He knew there were things amiss among them, and such as deserved censure, but was desirous to show tenderness. He assures them that this is the true reason, after this very solemn manner: I call God for a record upon my soul - a way of speaking not justifiable where used in trivial matters; but this was very justifiable in the apostle, for his necessary vindication, and for the credit and usefulness of his ministry, which was struck at by his opposers. He adds, to prevent mistakes, that he did not pretend to have any dominion over their faith, Co2 1:24. Christ only is the Lord of our faith; he is the author and finisher of our faith, Heb 12:2. He reveals to us what we must believe. Paul, and Apollos, and the rest of the apostles, were but ministers by whom they believed (Co1 3:5), and so the helpers of their joy, even the joy of faith. For by faith we stand firmly, and live safely and comfortably. Our strength and ability are owing to faith, and our comfort and joy must flow from faith.
Historical interpretation
Five Centuries of Reception
7 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
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For this reason righteousness and peace are now far departed from you, inasmuch as every one abandons the fear of God, and has become blind in His faith, neither walks in the ordinances of His appointment, nor acts a part becoming a Christian, but walks after his own wicked lusts, resuming the practice of an unrighteous and ungodly envy, by which death itself entered into the world. [Wisdom 2:24]
But if repentance is a thing human, its baptism must necessarily be of the same nature: else, if it had been celestial, it would have given both the Holy Spirit and remission of sins. But none either pardons sins or freely grants the Spirit save God only. Even the Lord Himself said that the Spirit would not descend on any other condition, but that He should first ascend to the Father.
Paul is saying that Christ confirms the Gentiles in the faith promised to the Jews, because he has made us both one.
Having received the sacraments, you have fully understood everything that you were baptized in the name of the Trinity. In all that we have done, the mystery of the Trinity has been preserved. Everywhere, there is the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, one operation, one sanctification, although some things may seem special. How? God who anointed you, and sealed you, and placed the Holy Spirit in your heart. Therefore, you have received the Holy Spirit in your heart.
After these words, after the renunciation of the devil and the covenant with Christ, inasmuch as you have henceforth become his very own and have nothing in common with that evil one, he straightway bids you to be marked and places on your forehead the sign of the cross. That savage beast is shameless, and when he hears those words, he grows more wild—as we might expect—and desires to assault you on sight. Hence God anoints your countenance and stamps thereon the sign of the cross. In this way God holds in check all the frenzy of the Evil One, for the devil will not dare to look on such a sight. Just as if he had beheld the rays of the sun and had leaped away, so will his eyes be blinded by the sight of your face and he will depart. For through the chrism the cross is stamped on you.… And that you may again know that it is not a man but God himself who anoints you by the hand of the priest, listen to St. Paul when he says: “It is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ, who has anointed us.”
"Now He which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and anointed us, is God; Who also sealed us, and gave us the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts."
Again, from the past He stablisheth the future. For if it is He that establisheth us in Christ; (i.e., who suffereth us not to be shaken from the faith which is in Christ;) and He that anointed us and gave the Spirit in our hearts, how shall He not give us the future things?
For if He gave the principles and the foundations, and the root and the fount, (to wit, the true knowledge of Him, the partaking of the Spirit,) how shall He not give the things that come of these: for if for the sake of these those are given, much more will he supply those. And if to such as were enemies he gave these, much more when now made friends will He "freely give" to them those. Wherefore He said not simply "the Spirit," but named "earnest," that from this thou mightest have a good hope of the whole as well. For did He not purpose to give the whole, He would never have chosen to give "the earnest" and to waste it without object or result.
And observe Paul's candor. For why need I say, saith he, that the truth of the promises standeth not in us? The fact of your standing unwavering and fixed is not in us, but this too is of God; "for" saith he, "He who stablisheth us is God." It is not we who strengthen you: for even we also need Him that stablisheth. So then let none imagine that the Preaching is hazardous in us. He hath undertaken the whole, He cared for the whole.
And what is, "anointed," and "sealed?" Gave the Spirit by Whom He did both these things, making at once prophets and priests and kings, for in old times these three sorts were anointed. But we have now not one of these dignities, but all three preeminently. For we are both to enjoy a kingdom and are made priests by offering our bodies for a sacrifice, (for, saith he, "present your members a living sacrifice unto God;) and withal we are constituted prophets too: for what things "eye hath not seen, nor ear heard," these have been revealed unto us.
And again, in that epistle he makes this explanation: "Now He which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God, who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts."
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Summary
Second Corinthians 1:21 profoundly asserts God's active and unwavering commitment to His people, declaring Him as the one who both establishes believers firmly in their union with Christ and anoints them for divine purpose. This verse serves as a foundational statement of divine agency, reassuring the Corinthian church—and all believers—of the secure and Spirit-empowered nature of their faith, grounded not in human reliability but in God's own faithfulness.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is strategically placed within Paul's defense of his apostolic integrity and his explanation for a change in travel plans, which had caused some consternation in Corinth. Immediately preceding it, in 2 Corinthians 1:20, Paul declares the absolute faithfulness of God's promises, stating that "all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen." Verse 21 then seamlessly transitions from God's reliable promises to His reliable actions, emphasizing that the same faithful God who guarantees His word is also actively at work in establishing and empowering believers. This serves to underscore the divine foundation of Paul's ministry and the Corinthians' faith, contrasting it with any human fickleness or perceived inconsistency. The subsequent verses, 2 Corinthians 1:22-24, further elaborate on God's sealing and giving of the Spirit as a guarantee, reinforcing the themes of divine security and enablement.
Historical & Cultural Context
The city of Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan hub known for its wealth, diverse population, and a blend of Greek, Roman, and Eastern religious influences. This environment presented unique challenges to the nascent Christian community, including moral laxity, internal divisions, and a questioning of apostolic authority. Paul's letters to Corinth often address these issues, striving to correct misunderstandings, defend his ministry, and call the church to unity and spiritual maturity. The concept of "anointing" would have resonated with both Jewish and Hellenistic audiences. In the Old Testament, anointing with oil signified consecration for kingship, priesthood, or prophetic office (e.g., 1 Samuel 10:1, Exodus 29:7). Among Greeks, anointing was common in athletic training and for medicinal purposes. Paul here redefines it in a spiritual sense, indicating divine selection, equipping, and empowerment by the Holy Spirit, a concept central to the New Covenant.
Key Themes
Second Corinthians chapter 1 introduces several foundational themes that resonate throughout the entire epistle. One prominent theme is Divine Comfort and Sufficiency, as Paul begins by highlighting God as "the God of all comfort" (2 Corinthians 1:3). This comfort is not merely emotional solace but a divine enablement that allows believers to endure suffering and, in turn, comfort others. Closely related is the theme of Apostolic Authenticity and Integrity, which Paul vigorously defends against accusations of inconsistency or insincerity. Verse 21 directly contributes to this by grounding his ministry's validity in God's own establishment and anointing, rather than human merit or wavering. Furthermore, the theme of Union with Christ is paramount, as the phrase "in Christ" underscores the new spiritual reality and identity of believers, from which all blessings and stability flow. Finally, the Work of the Holy Spirit is subtly introduced through the concept of "anointing," foreshadowing the Spirit's role as God's seal and guarantee of future inheritance, a concept further developed in 2 Corinthians 1:22.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
Meaning to make firm, confirm, or establish. This word conveys the idea of God providing a secure and unshakeable foundation for believers. It signifies a divine act of making something sure and reliable, ensuring steadfastness and security in faith and identity.
Meaning to smear or rub with oil, and by implication, to consecrate to an office or religious service. This term directly links to the concept of the Messiah (Christos), the "Anointed One." In this context, it signifies God's act of setting believers apart and equipping them with the Holy Spirit for His purposes, much like Old Testament figures were consecrated for their roles.
Meaning "anointed," referring to the Messiah. This word is crucial as it defines the sphere and source of the believer's establishment and anointing. Being "in Christ" means that these divine actions are not merely individual experiences but are rooted in and flow from one's spiritual union with the Anointed One, Jesus, through whom all God's promises are fulfilled.
Verse Breakdown
"Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ,"
This opening clause identifies the divine agent ("he," i.e., God) and His primary action: "stablisheth." The verb implies making firm, confirming, or securing. The recipients are "us with you," emphasizing the universal nature of this divine work for all believers, both Paul and the Corinthians, highlighting their shared spiritual reality. The crucial phrase "in Christ" specifies the sphere or context of this establishment, meaning that this divine act of securing believers is inextricably linked to their union with Jesus Christ. It is in Him that their foundation is made sure.
"and hath anointed us,"
This second clause introduces another profound divine action: God has "anointed us." Building on the concept of establishment, this anointing signifies a special consecration, a setting apart for God's purposes, and crucially, an empowerment by the Holy Spirit. Just as kings, priests, and prophets were anointed for their offices, believers are spiritually anointed, indicating their divine enablement and qualification for serving God. This anointing is a spiritual reality, not a physical ritual, signifying the indwelling and empowering presence of the Holy Spirit within every Christian.
"[is] God;"
The verse concludes by unequivocally identifying the subject of both "stablisheth" and "hath anointed" as "God." This emphatic declaration underscores divine agency and sovereignty. It is not human effort, wisdom, or reliability that establishes and empowers believers, but God Himself. This provides ultimate assurance and grounds the believer's security and spiritual capacity in the unchangeable nature and power of the Almighty.
Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. Parallelism is evident in the two main clauses describing God's actions: "stablisheth us" and "hath anointed us." These parallel verbs highlight two distinct yet complementary aspects of God's work in believers, creating a sense of completeness in His divine provision. The phrase "us with you" demonstrates Inclusivity, emphasizing that Paul's experience of divine establishment and anointing is not unique to him as an apostle but is shared by all believers in Corinth, fostering unity and mutual assurance. Furthermore, the explicit identification of "God" as the subject at the very end of the sentence functions as a powerful Emphasis on Divine Agency. By placing "God" as the culminating word, Paul ensures that the ultimate source of stability and spiritual empowerment is undeniably clear, reinforcing the theological truth that all spiritual blessings originate from Him.
Theological and Thematic Connections
This verse is a profound theological statement on the nature of God's relationship with His people. It reveals God as the active initiator and sustainer of the believer's spiritual life, providing both security and capability. The "establishment" speaks to the divine guarantee of our standing in Christ, assuring us that our faith is not built on shifting sand but on the unshakeable foundation of God's faithfulness. The "anointing" points to the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit, who sets us apart for God's purposes and enables us to live out our calling. Together, these actions underscore the comprehensive nature of God's grace: He not only secures our position but also equips us for service, ensuring that our spiritual journey is entirely dependent on His sovereign work. This truth provides immense comfort and confidence, shifting our focus from our own inadequacy to God's all-sufficiency.
Reflection and Application
Second Corinthians 1:21 offers a profound wellspring of assurance and purpose for every believer. In a world characterized by instability, uncertainty, and constant change, this verse anchors our spiritual security in the unchanging character and active work of God Himself. We are not left to our own devices to "stabilize" our faith or "earn" spiritual power. Instead, God is the one who firmly establishes us in Christ, providing an unshakeable foundation for our identity and hope. Furthermore, the "anointing" reminds us that we are not merely saved and secured, but also divinely empowered. The Holy Spirit indwells every Christian, equipping us for service, witness, and godly living. This means that we possess the divine resources necessary to navigate life's challenges, fulfill God's call, and live a life that honors Him. Our confidence, therefore, should not be in our own strength or fluctuating emotions, but in the faithful God who both secures our standing and enables our walk. This truth liberates us from performance-based Christianity and invites us into a deeper trust in His sovereign grace.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does it mean that God "stablisheth us in Christ"?
To be "established" by God means that He makes our spiritual foundation firm, secure, and unshakeable. It speaks to the divine act of confirming and guaranteeing our position and identity as believers. This stability is not based on our own efforts or fluctuating circumstances, but entirely on God's faithfulness and our union "in Christ." It assures us that our faith is divinely grounded, providing an unwavering anchor for our souls, as seen in Hebrews 6:19.
What is the "anointing" mentioned in this verse, and who receives it?
The "anointing" refers to a spiritual consecration and empowerment by God, specifically through the Holy Spirit. In the Old Testament, anointing with oil signified setting apart individuals for sacred office (kings, priests, prophets). In the New Testament, this spiritual anointing extends to all believers, signifying that God has set them apart for His purposes and equipped them with the indwelling presence and power of the Holy Spirit. This anointing is a mark of divine ownership and enablement, allowing believers to understand spiritual truths and live according to God's will, as further explained in 1 John 2:27. Every person who believes in Jesus Christ receives this anointing upon conversion.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Second Corinthians 1:21 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the Anointed One. The very word "Christ" (Greek: Christos) means "Anointed One," indicating that Jesus Himself is the quintessential recipient of God's anointing, set apart for His messianic mission to redeem humanity. When the verse states that God "stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us," it reveals that our establishment and anointing are not independent acts but are entirely derivative of and participated in through our union with Jesus. He is the solid foundation upon which we are built, the Cornerstone rejected by men but chosen by God (Ephesians 2:20). Furthermore, the anointing we receive is the Holy Spirit, who was poured out upon Christ without measure (John 3:34). It is through Christ's finished work on the cross and His subsequent ascension that the Holy Spirit is given to believers, sealing them for the day of redemption and empowering them for life and service (Ephesians 1:13-14). Thus, our security and spiritual enablement are not merely from God, but specifically in God's Son, Jesus Christ, who is our stability, our anointing, and the very source of our life in the Spirit (Colossians 2:6-7).