3239 Holy Spirit, anointing of

“Anoint” means to set someone apart, to authorise and equip him or her for a task of spiritual importance. Jesus Christ is set apart by the work of the Holy Spirit for his ministry of preaching, healing and deliverance. The Holy Spirit sets Christians apart for their ministry in Christ’s name.

Jesus Christ anointed by the Holy Spirit

The Messiah’s anointing is predicted Isa 61:1-3 “Messiah” means “anointed one”.

The Spirit anoints Jesus Christ at the start of his ministry Mt 3:16 pp Mk 1:10 pp Lk 3:22 pp Jn 1:32 Ac 10:38

Jesus Christ declares his anointing Lk 4:18-21 See also Isa 61:1-2

The first Christians declare Jesus Christ’s anointing Ac 4:26-27

Evidence pointing to the Spirit’s anointing in Jesus Christ’s ministry See also Mt 4:23-25; Mt 7:28-29; Mt 12:28; Lk 4:14-15; Lk 5:17; Lk 6:19; Lk 7:14-15

Believers anointed by the Holy Spirit

The Spirit anoints God’s chosen people 2Sa 23:1-2 Samuel

Anointing enables Christians to stand firm 2Co 1:21-22

Anointing guards Christians against falsehood 1Jn 2:20,27

See also