2 Corinthians 1:21-24 (WEL) Now he who establishes us and you in Christ and who has anointed us is God. 22 Who authenticates us as genuine and gives us the guarantee of the Holy Spirit in our hearts. 23 I call on God as a witness, upon my soul, that I didn’t come to Corinth yet, so I could spare you. 24 We are not trying to lord it over your faith, but we are co-workers for your joy, for you stand by faith.
V21 Now he who establishes us and you in Christ and who has anointed us is God.
The Greek word for establishes is G950 βεβαιόω bebaióō, which means (LSJ) “confirm, establish, and make good.” Also it means (Abbot Smith) “guarantee and secure.” It is God’s grace and power that guarantees our salvation and helps us every day.
The Holy Spirit is the anointing by indwelling us, guiding us, comforting us, convicting us, strengthening us, giving us wisdom, and truth. This anointing is for kings (1 Samuel 10:1, 1 Samuel 16:13, and Isaiah 61:1(Messiah only) and priests (Leviticus 8:12). All believers, men and women, are kings and priests. See Revelation 5:10, 1 Peter 2:5-9, Revelation 1:6, 1 Corinthians 6:2, and 2 Timothy 2:12.
V22 Who authenticates us as genuine and gives us the guarantee of the Holy Spirit in our hearts.
The Greek word for authenticates is (G4972) σφραγίζω sphragízō, which means setting a seal guaranteeing genuineness. Paul refers to his ministry.
Comments:
Warren W. Wiersbe: “Because of the indwelling Holy Spirit, Paul was able to have a clear conscience and face misunderstandings with love and patience. If you live to please people, misunderstandings will depress you; but if you live to please God, you can face misunderstandings with faith and courage.”
(Holman Commentary) “While all Christians have God’s anoint[ing], seal, and Spirit, just as all Christians stand firm in Christ, Paul applied these first three statements mainly to himself and to his company in order to defend their integrity.”
V23 I call on God as a witness, upon my soul, that I didn’t come to Corinth yet, so I could spare you.
Paul is not giving false witness, so he does not contradict the Scriptures. Compare James 5:12 (EHV) Above all, my brothers, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Just let your “yes” be “yes” and your “no” be “no,” so that you do not fall under judgment.
David Guzik: “I call God as witness against my soul: Paul is taking a serious oath. While Jesus said we should live our lives in such a way so that oaths are not necessary (Matthew 5:33-37), it does not mean that oaths are prohibited. On occasion, even God swears an oath (Hebrews 6:13).”
Vincent: “A common classical idiom. Compare Plato: “Next will follow the choir of young men under the age of thirty, who will call upon the god Paean to testify to the truth of these words” (“Laws,” 664). Homer: “For the gods will be the best witnesses” (“Iliad,” xxii., 254). Compare Romans 1:9; Galatians 1:20; Philippians 1:8; 1 Thessalonians 2:5, 1 Thessalonians 2:10; Genesis 31:50, Sept. This particular form of expression occurs nowhere else in the New Testament. The verb is often translated appeal, as Acts 25:11, Acts 25:12. Also to call upon, in the sense of supplication, Romans 10:12, Romans 10:13, Romans 10:14; 1 Corinthians 1:2.”
V24 We are not trying to lord it over your faith, but we are co-workers for your joy, for you stand by faith.
Paul does not want to lord it over them as a tyrant. Too many churches today have pastors that break this very law. Paul, the Apostle, did have authority but refused to be a tyrant. He demonstrates the principles of leadership as our Lord Jesus, the Good Shepherd, lived.
I wrote more about God’s style of leadership here (https://literalbible.org/2025/07/06/what-is-gods-style-of-leadership/)
We learn:
• The Holy Spirit is our authenticator, not seminary degrees or any church’s leadership.
• How Paul wanted to work with the believers, not lord it over them.
Questions:
• What kind of leader are you?
• What kind of pastor are you?