2 Corinthians 1:21
Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God;
2 Corinthians 1:21 (KJV)
Context
The apostle Paul wrote 2 Corinthians to the church in Corinth, addressing various issues and offering encouragement. In the immediate context, Paul is affirming the reliability and faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises. This verse declares that God is the one who establishes and anoints believers, grounding their stability and consecration in their union with Christ.
Meaning
Paul begins with “He which stablisheth us with you in Christ.” The word “stablisheth” means to make firm or secure. God is the one who gives believers a solid foundation in their faith and ensures their stability. The phrase “with you” includes Paul and his companions together with the Corinthian believers, emphasizing the unity of all believers in Christ.
The second action is “hath anointed us.” In the Old Testament, anointing with oil symbolized consecration, empowerment, and appointment for a specific purpose, often for prophets, priests, and kings. Here, Paul applies this imagery to believers in Christ. In the New Testament, anointing signifies the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, who empowers believers for ministry, grants spiritual gifts, and enables them to live godly lives.
The verse concludes with “is God,” emphasizing that both establishing and anointing come from God Himself. The source of strength and empowerment is not human effort or ability but God. This highlights the divine origin and authority behind the spiritual enablement of believers.
Application
This verse reminds believers to rely on God for strength, stability, and empowerment in their Christian walk. They cannot accomplish God’s purposes in their own strength, but through the anointing of the Holy Spirit, they are equipped to fulfill the roles and responsibilities God has given them. It is a call to depend on God’s power and to acknowledge Him as the source of all abilities and achievements.
God establishes and anoints believers, providing strength, stability, and empowerment.
Believers are united with one another in Christ, sharing in God’s establishing work.
This verse encourages reliance on God’s power and acknowledgment of Him as the source of all abilities in His service.
Reflection
Consider the assurance that your stability in faith and your empowerment for service rest not on your own efforts but on God’s faithful work. Because He has established and anointed you in Christ, you can trust Him to complete what He has begun.
