2 Corinthians 1:21

KJV

Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, [is] God;

KJV (with Strong's)

Now {G1161} he which stablisheth {G950} us {G2248} with {G4862} you {G5213} in {G1519} Christ {G5547}, and {G2532} hath anointed {G5548} us {G2248}, is God {G2316};

Complete Jewish Bible

Moreover, it is God who sets both us and you in firm union with the Messiah; he has anointed us,

Berean Standard Bible

Now it is God who establishes both us and you in Christ. He anointed us,

American Standard Version

Now he that establisheth us with you in Christ, and anointed us, is God;

Commentary

### 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](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ"), 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](/2_corinthians/1-22-24 "2 Corinthians 1:22-24 - God's Seal, Spirit, and Paul's Purpose"), 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](/1_samuel/10-1 "1 Samuel 10:1 - Saul Anointed King"), [Exodus 29:7](/exodus/29-7 "Exodus 29:7 - Aaron Anointed Priest")). 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](/2_corinthians/1 "2 Corinthians 1 - Paul's Comfort and Ministry") 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](/2_corinthians/1-3 "2 Corinthians 1:3 - God of All Comfort")). 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](/2_corinthians/1-22 "2 Corinthians 1:22 - The Spirit as a Seal").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **stablisheth (Greek, _bebaióō_):** From G950, 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.
* **anointed (Greek, _chríō_):** From G5548, 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.
* **Christ (Greek, _Christós_):** From G5547, 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.

* [Isaiah 61:1](/isaiah/61-1 "Isaiah 61:1 - The Spirit of the Lord Anoints")
* [Ephesians 1:13-14](/ephesians/1-13-14 "Ephesians 1:13-14 - Sealed with the Holy Spirit")
* [1 John 2:20](/1_john/2-20 "1 John 2:20 - The Anointing from the Holy One")

### 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
* **How does understanding that God "stablisheth" you in Christ change your perspective on your spiritual security and identity?**
* **In what practical ways does the "anointing" of the Holy Spirit empower you for daily living and service?**
* **How can resting in God's active work, rather than striving in your own strength, deepen your trust and surrender to Him?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean that God "stablisheth us in Christ"?**

Answer: 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](/hebrews/6-19 "Hebrews 6:19 - Hope as an Anchor").

**What is the "anointing" mentioned in this verse, and who receives it?**

Answer: 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](/1_john/2-27 "1 John 2:27 - The Anointing Abides in You"). 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](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ as the Cornerstone")). Furthermore, the anointing we receive is the Holy Spirit, who was poured out upon Christ without measure ([John 3:34](/john/3-34 "John 3:34 - Spirit Without Measure")). 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](/ephesians/1-13-14 "Ephesians 1:13-14 - Sealed with the Holy Spirit")). 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](/colossians/2-6-7 "Colossians 2:6-7 - Rooted and Built Up in Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 John 2:27

But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

1 John 2:20

¶ But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.

1 Peter 5:10

¶ But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle [you].

Isaiah 61:1

¶ The Spirit of the Lord GOD [is] upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to [them that are] bound;

Romans 8:9

But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

Isaiah 9:7

Of the increase of [his] government and peace [there shall be] no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

Acts 10:38

How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.