1:21 God . . . establishes us. The ability to persevere, that is, to continue in the Christian life, is not from ourselves; it is a gift from God. God continues to give this ability to all who are born again (Phil. 1:6; 1 Pet. 1:5). Those who are guarded by God in this way continue to trust in Christ throughout their lives (13:5; Col. 1:23; Heb. 3:14), because God protects them through the faith He gives them (v. 24).

anointed. To “anoint” literally is to pour oil on the head, often as a sign of divine calling and empowerment (1 Sam. 2:10; 16:13 and notes). Paul reminds us that just as God anointed Jesus for a particular service and ministry, so He has anointed us for our ministries, not with oil, but with the power of the Holy Spirit (1 John 2:20, 27).