The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Corinthians — Section 19

Vers. 21, 22.-The Spirit in the heart. 'l'he signs of an apostle were abundantly manifested in the case of St. Paul. Some of these signs were outward and visible; the wonders which he wrought and the labours which be fulfilled were evidences to many of his high calling. There were other signs which were rather internal, revealed in his own spiritual nature and life. These were precious to ,himself, whether they were recognized or not by others. L THE ANOINTING OF THE SPmIT. 1. This rite received a significance from its employment nnder the old covenant in the designation of the prophet, the priest, and the king. 2. This significance is enhanced by the application to the Son of God of the official appellation, the Christ, i.e. th11 anointed One, the Being consecrated and commis- sioned by.the Eternal 3. The anointing claimed by the apostle is the qualification, by a supernatural and spiritual power, for holy and responsible office. II. THE SEALING OF THE SPIRIT. 1. By this sealing the apostle was stamped with the mark which was the sign of Divine property in him. 2. And he was thus inwardly a.nd graciously authenticated as the Lord's messenger to men. By the seal we understand the mark set upon the moral nature, the character, indicating Divine possession and Divine authority. ill. THE EARNEST OF THE SPmIT. The other operatioµs of the Holy Ghost relato to this present state; this refers to the future. 1. The Spirit within the ~art is the earnest of a fuller indwelling; they who receive the Spiiit are assured that they shall be " filled with the Spirit." 2. The earnest of a clearer revelation. The light shall brighten until the dawn shall be succeeded by the splendour of noonday. 3. '.l'he earnest of a richer, purer joy. The m11asurs in which gladness is experienced in the present is a foretaste of the joy which is unspeakable and full of glory. 4. The earnest of. an eternal inheritance. They who are possessed by the Spirit and pervaded by his gracious influences have within them both an anticipation of heaven and a preparation for heaven. To whom the Lord gives the- pledge, he will give the redemption; to whom he gives the promise, he will give the glorious fulfilment and the eternal possession.-T. Ver. 24.-Helpers of /oy. Even when the immediate effect of the apostle's language and action was to produce heaviness and grief of spirit, the real and ultimate design was to awaken and to intensify spiritual joy. A benevolent nature can find no pleasure in the infliction of suffering ; y1!t it ruay be that, as was the case with these >(;orinthians, the way of iOrrow and repentance is the only path which can lead to true .and lasting gladness. OH. I. 1-24.] THE SECOND EPISTL~ TO THE CORINT_IIIANS. 19