Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 2 Corinthians 1:21

"Now he that establisheth us with you in Christ, and anointed us, is God;" — 2 Corinthians 1:21 (ASV)

Paul’s final defense of himself against the charge of indecision (v.17a) points to the constant activity of God in producing stability in Paul and in the Corinthians—in those who have been brought into intimate and dynamic relation with Christ, God’s secure and permanent "Yes.” Each of the four verbs in these two verses has God as its subject. The first (“makes... stand firm”; GK 1011) is a legal term denoting a seller’s guaranteeing of the validity of a purchase; God continually strengthens believers in their faith in Christ and progressively enriches their knowledge of Christ. The other three (“anointed,” GK 5987; “set his seal of ownership,” GK 5381; and “put [GK 1433] his Spirit”) indicate what took place at the time of their conversion and baptism. God commissioned believers for his service by consecrating them as his “anointed ones” and imparting those gifts necessary for their task. God “set his seal of ownership on us” by putting “his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.” Believers are “branded” as God’s property, the reality of their faith is attested, and their status is guaranteed “for the day of redemption” (Ephesians 4:30).