2 Corinthians 1:21
Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God;
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σὺν
with
G4862
σὺν
with
Strong's:
G4862
Word #:
5 of 12
with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi
εἰς
in
G1519
εἰς
in
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
7 of 12
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
1 John 2:27But 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 2:20But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.1 Peter 5:10But 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.Romans 8:9But 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 61:1The 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;Isaiah 9:7Of 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 10:38How 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.2 Thessalonians 3:3But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.Isaiah 62:7And give him no rest, till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth.Isaiah 49:8Thus saith the LORD, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee: and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages;
Historical Context
Written around AD 55-56 from Macedonia after Paul's 'painful visit' to Corinth (2:1). The Corinthian church faced challenges to Paul's apostolic authority from 'super-apostles' (11:5) who valued eloquence over cruciform ministry. Paul writes to defend his ministry, explain his changed travel plans, and restore relationship with this fractious congregation.
Questions for Reflection
- Do I live with confidence that God is 'establishing' me in Christ—present, continuous, secure?
- How does sharing Christ's 'anointing' change my identity from self-made to God-consecrated?
- What ministry is God establishing and anointing me for 'together with' my local church?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ (ὁ βεβαιῶν ἡμᾶς σὺν ὑμῖν)—bebaiōn (βεβαιῶν, "confirming/establishing/making firm") is present participle: God continuously secures us. Syn hymin (σὺν ὑμῖν, "together with you") unites apostle and congregation—both depend on divine establishment eis Christon (εἰς Χριστόν, into Christ/union).
And hath anointed us, is God—chrisas (χρίσας, "anointing") connects to Christos (Χριστός, "Anointed One"). Believers share Christ's anointing (1 John 2:20, 27), consecrated for priestly service. Theos (θεός, "God") appears emphatically: God Himself is the actor.