2 Corinthians 1:21

Commentary on 2 Corinthians 1:21 (KJV)

2 Corinthians 1:21: "Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, [is] God;"

Context

This verse is part of Paul’s defense of his apostolic ministry and his explanation for a change in travel plans to Corinth. Following verses where Paul affirms the unwavering faithfulness of God's promises (all of which are "Yea, and Amen" in Christ, as seen in 2 Corinthians 1:20), he transitions to highlight God's active role in establishing and empowering believers. This serves to reassure the Corinthian church of the divine foundation of their faith and his ministry, contrasting it with any perceived human inconsistency.

Key Themes

• Divine Establishment: The verse emphasizes that it is God Himself who "stablisheth" (makes firm, confirms, secures) believers in their faith and relationship with Christ. This stability is not dependent on human effort or circumstances but on God's sovereign work. It speaks to the security and divine grounding of the Christian life.
• Union "In Christ": The phrase "in Christ" highlights the essential spiritual reality for all believers. Our stability, anointing, and all spiritual blessings flow from our inseparable union with Jesus Christ. This concept is foundational to Paul's theology, indicating a new identity and standing before God.
• The Anointing of God: To be "anointed" by God signifies a special consecration, equipping, and empowerment by the Holy Spirit. In the Old Testament, kings, priests, and prophets were anointed for their specific roles. Here, it extends to all believers, indicating that God sets them apart and enables them for His purposes, much like the anointing believers receive from the Holy One.
• God as the Agent: The clear subject of the actions—"stablisheth" and "anointed"—is "God." This underscores His initiating and sustaining role in the believer's spiritual journey, providing both security and capability.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "stablisheth" is bebaiōn (βεβαιῶν), which means to make firm, confirm, establish, or guarantee. It conveys the idea of God making something sure and secure, providing a divine foundation for believers' faith. The term "anointed" comes from the Greek chrisas (χρίσας), which is directly related to Christos (Χριστός), meaning "Anointed One." This connection reinforces that believers share in Christ's anointing, receiving the Holy Spirit as their divine enablement. This anointing is a spiritual reality, not a physical ritual, signifying the indwelling and empowering presence of the Holy Spirit within every Christian, as also mentioned in 1 John 2:27.

Practical Application

For the modern believer, 2 Corinthians 1:21 offers profound assurance and purpose:

• Assurance and Stability: We can find deep confidence in God's unwavering faithfulness. Our spiritual stability and security are not based on our strength or feelings, but on God's active work in us. This provides a solid foundation amidst life's uncertainties, knowing that God is the one who establishes our hearts blameless in holiness.
• Empowerment for Living: The "anointing" reminds us that we are not left to our own devices. The Holy Spirit indwells believers, empowering us for godly living, service, and witness. This divine enablement means we have the resources needed to fulfill God’s call on our lives.
• Identity in Christ: This verse reinforces our identity as those "in Christ." It is in this union that we receive our establishment and anointing, understanding that our spiritual blessings are tied to our relationship with Him, as explored in Ephesians 1:3.
• Trust in God's Work: Rather than striving to stabilize ourselves or earn spiritual gifts, we are called to trust in God's sovereign work. He initiates, sustains, and completes the good work He begins in us.