Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  3000 Holy Spirit  »  3200 Holy Spirit, ministry and work of  »  3203 Holy Spirit, and assurance  »  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

Isaiah 61:1-3 “Messiah” means “anointed one”.

The Spirit anoints Jesus Christ at the start of his ministry

Matthew 3:16 pp Mark 1:10 pp Luke 3:22 pp John 1:32 Acts 10:38

Jesus Christ declares his anointing

Luke 4:18-21 See also Isaiah 61:1-2

The first Christians declare Jesus Christ's anointing

Acts 4:26-27

Evidence pointing to the Spirit's anointing in Jesus Christ's ministry

See also Matthew 4:23-25; Matthew 7:28-29; Matthew 12:28; Luke 4:14-15; Luke 5:17; Luke 6:19; Luke 7:14-15

Believers anointed by the Holy Spirit

The Spirit anoints God's chosen people

2 Samuel 23:1-2 Samuel

Anointing enables Christians to stand firm

2 Corinthians 1:21-22

Anointing guards Christians against falsehood

1 John 2:20,27

See also

2206  Jesus, the Christ
3030  Holy Spirit, power
3242  Holy Spirit, baptism with
3251  Holy Spirit, filling with
3257  Holy Spirit, gift of
3269  Holy Spirit in Christ
3272  Holy Spirit in OT
7304  anointing
8420  equipping