The anointing here mentioned is, doubtless, the same mentioned by St. John, 1 John 2:20,27, by which is understood the Holy Spirit: so as God's anointing his people signifies his giving them his Holy Spirit, to dwell and to work in them; which Holy Spirit diffuseth itself throughout the whole soul of the believer, as the oil of old poured out upon the heads of the kings, high priests, and prophets. Believers are said to be anointed, because God hath, by his Spirit given to them, declared, that he hath set them apart to be kings and priests, a royal priesthood. The same God also establisheth their souls both in faith and love, and all in Christ; in him as our Head, and through him as the meritorious cause of all that grace wherein we stand. It is observable, that how much soever vain man may ascribe to the power of man's will, yet the blessed apostle attributeth all to God; both our anointing, the first infusion of gracious habits, and also our establishing. It is grace by which we stand.
Related Commentaries of 2 Corinthians 1:21
2 Corinthians 1:21
21 Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God;