Gr. chriō, the verb form of the word translated Christ (see on Matt. 1:1). In a sense, all Christians are anointed, or consecrated, to God, by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at the time of conversion and baptism. Possibly Paul refers to his own special consecration to the gospel ministry, but the context of 2 Cor. 1:21, 22 would appear to indicate that the general anointing of all true believers is intended. The unction of the Holy Spirit qualified and empowered those who, like Paul, had been anointed for the effective accomplishment of their work.

It was God who had established both Paul and the Corinthians as Christians. Paul had been God’s messenger to establish them. Could one who is fickle and changeable—as they had charged Paul with being—establish others? But no credit is due Paul, for it is God who has established both him and them.