The “Anointing” in 1 John

     The noun χρίσμα (“anointing”) in the NT appears only in 1 John 2:20, 27, a term originally referring to oil or ointment used for anointing, and then later for the anointing itself. The corresponding verb form χρίω is employed in the NT mainly with reference to Jesus Christ (Luke 4:18; Acts 4:27; 10:38; Heb. 1:9) and once in reference to Paul and fellow evangelists (2 Cor. 1:21, to be discussed in the next post).¹ In the LXX (Greek OT) the word is applied to priests, kings, and prophets,² symbolizing the diffusion of God’s Spirit, blessings and approval, thus identifying one who is divinely appointed and authorized. Note Jesus is ὁ Χριστός (“the Christ,” lit. “the Anointed One”).

     In the context of 1 John chap. 2, the apostle seems to be making a play on words that is not apparent in English translation. Those who are ἀντί (“against”) the Χριστός (the “Christ” or the “Anointed One”) are ἀντίχριστοι = “antichrists” (vv. 18-19, 22), whereas the faithful ones to whom John is writing are in essence χριστοι or “anointed ones” (v. 20). Accordingly, the “antichrists” are also against those who “have [the] anointing.” This anointing is from “the Holy [ἅγιος] One” (i.e. the Christ),³ and all who have it are “holy” (ἅγιος = sanctified or set apart) and thus “saints” (ἅγιοι = sanctified or holy ones).⁴

     John’s readers already know the truth (2:20-21) and do not need to be taught something new by those trying to deceive them (vv. 26-27). Notice John says that the anointing “abides in you” and “teaches you” (v. 27). Allowing the apostle to interpret his own words, he says in this very context that “the word of God abides in you” (v. 14) and “what you have heard from [the] beginning abides in you” (v. 24), i.e., “the word” (v. 7). The anointing has taught that “you will abide in him” (v. 27), and we know that we are in him if we keep his word (v. 5). Observe also John’s emphasis on what is written (vv. 1, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 21, 26).

     It is interesting to note, contrary to what many interpreters read into the passage, that the Holy Spirit is not even mentioned in this context, much less a direct operation of the Spirit. But it is still important to consider this idea. Jesus was anointed “with the Holy Spirit and with power” (Acts 10:38). The apostles and prophets were guided by the Spirit to record God’s complete revelation (John 16:12-13; Eph. 3:3-5; 2 Tim. 3:16-17). The word of God is now “the sword of the Spirit” which abides in and teaches those who receive it (Eph. 6:17; 1 Thess. 2:13; Heb. 4:12). We are “sanctified” (ἁγιάζω) or “set apart” or “made holy” by God’s Spirit, yet this is accomplished only in conjunction with our obedience to the Spirit’s truth (John 17:17, 19; 2 Thess. 2:13-14). The Spirit and the God-breathed message are inseparable.

     The “anointing” [χρίσμα] to which John refers appears to be a metaphoric reference to the influence of the truth of God’s inspired word which was abiding in and teaching and setting apart the recipients of John’s letter, in contrast to the false and deceptive message of the ἀντίχριστοι (“antichrists”).

--Kevin L. Moore

Endnotes:

     ¹ The verb ἀλείφω is always employed in the NT with reference to the literal act of anointing someone (Matt. 6:17; Mark 6:13; 16:1; Luke 7:38, 46; John 11:2; 12:3; Jas. 5:14).

     ² Ex. 28:41; Lev. 8:12; 1 Sam. 10:1; 16:13; 2 Sam. 2:4; 5:3; 1 Kgs. 19:16; Psa. 133:2.

     ³ Mark 1:24; Luke 4:34; John 6:69 [NA²⁸]; Acts 3:14; cf. Luke 1:35; Acts 4:27, 30.

     ⁴ In addition to Paul’s prolific use of this designation, see Acts 9:13, 32, 41; 26:10; Heb. 6:10; 13:24; Jude 3; Rev. 5:8; 8:3, 4; 11:18; 13:7, 10; 14:12; 16:6; 17:6; 18:20, 24; 19:8; 20:9; 22:21 [Maj. Text]; cf. Heb. 3:1.

Related Posts: Who is Anointed in 2 Cor. 1:21?

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Silas/Silvanus: Leader, Writer, Missionary

     Silas of the Acts narrative¹ is Silvanus of the epistles² (cp. Acts 18:5; 2 Cor. 1:19). Having more than one name in the ancient Greco-Roman world was fairly common (e.g. Saul/Paul, Tabitha/Dorcas, John/Mark, etc.). The name “Silvanus” is Latin,³ which is not unusual for a Roman citizen (Acts 16:37, 38), while the name “Silas” is Greek, evidently favored by the Greek Dr. Luke in his historical account. It is possible that the name “Silas” is simply an abbreviated version of “Silvanus.”

     Silas first appears in the biblical record in Acts 15, involved in the meeting of the Jerusalem elders and apostles discussing the circumcision controversy. He is mentioned with Judas Barsabas,⁴ both described as “leading men among the brethren” (v. 22b NKJV). Being a recognized leader in a congregation that has apostles and elders is pretty impressive.

     After discussing the issue and reaching a consensus under the Holy Spirit’s guidance (Acts 15:28), it was determined that Judas Barsabas and Silas would put the decision into writing on the group’s behalf (vv. 22-23). Note that the verbal form grapsantes is from graphō, which means to “write” (ASV, ERV, HCSB, ISV, N/KJV, WEB),⁵ although several English translations have curiously rendered it “sent” (ESV, NASB, NET, NIV, N/RSV, cf. NLT). Granted, Judas Barsabas and Silas were the letter carriers (vv. 22a, 27), but someone had to do the writing, and the verb graphō identifies these two men as the designated scribes.

     Not everyone in the ancient Greco-Roman world (even among the educated) was capable of writing, much less writing well. The typical procedure in these predominantly oral cultures was to verbally dictate information to a trained amanuensis (secretary) who was responsible for putting it into writing. Note that Baruch wrote for Jeremiah (Jer. 36:1-32), Tertius wrote for Paul (Rom. 16:22), and Silvanus wrote for Peter (1 Pet. 5:12, discussed further below).⁶ If multiple copies of the Jerusalem-conference letter were needed to send to multiple congregations (cf. Acts 15:23, 30, 41; 16:4), more than one amanuensis would be preferable. The point is, Silas (as well as Judas B.) was a skilled writer, a fact that becomes even more significant as this study continues.

     The document was hand-delivered and read, and Judas B. and Silas are identified as “prophets” who gave additional instruction as they “exhorted and strengthened the brethren with many words” (Acts 15:27, 32). Here we learn that Silas (as well as Judas B.) was a divinely inspired and adept teacher, as well as an encourager.

     When the apostle Paul needed a new missionary partner after he and Barnabas parted ways (Acts 15:36-39), Silas was chosen to fill the void (v. 40). Evidently he was someone in whom the apostle had a great deal of confidence and is never depicted as a subordinate or understudy but as an equal partner. After adding a couple more teammates, the mission team headed to Macedonia (Acts 16:1-12).

     In Philippi Silas participated in preaching Christ’s gospel, leading to the first converts on European soil (Acts 16:13-15). It was Silas who was working with Paul when the two were apprehended, dragged before the magistrates, and accused of disturbing the peace (a very serious charge under Roman law!). They were beaten with rods and with many stripes, then thrown into the inner prison with their feet secured in stocks (vv. 19-24). “But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them” (v. 25). The situation would have been much more daunting for Paul had Silas not been at his side.

     Later Paul and Silas together had the opportunity to teach the word of the Lord to the jailer and his family, resulting in more conversions (Acts 16:29-34). It is here we learn that Silas (like Paul) was an ethnic Jew and a Roman citizen (vv. 20, 37, 38). Silas also helped to evangelize the residents of Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, and Corinth (Acts 17:1–18:5) – leaving behind established congregations⁷ – before fading out of the Acts narrative, only to reappear in the epistles.

     A relatively short time after Paul, Silas (a.k.a. Silvanus), and Timothy had departed from Thessalonica, they collectively wrote a letter to the church of the Thessalonians (1 Thess. 1:1; 2:17), followed by a second letter not long thereafter (2 Thess. 1:1).⁸ Both documents are written almost entirely in the “we” form of address to “you” the Thessalonian readers. While Paul was obviously the leading correspondent, he kept his personal comments to a minimum in both 1 Thessalonians (2:18; 3:5; 5:27) and 2 Thessalonians (2:5; 3:17). Moreover, the implication of 2 Thess. 3:17 is that the actual writing of the material preceding the postscript was done by someone other than Paul himself. Seeing that Silvanus was both a prophet and an efficient writer, his contribution to the Thessalonian correspondence should not be ignored.

     Over a decade after his last known whereabouts in the biblical report, Silvanus reappears as the apostle Peter’s coworker. At the end of Peter’s first epistle, the acknowledgment is made: “By Silvanus, our faithful brother as I consider him, I have written [graphō] to you briefly …” (1 Pet. 5:12). Simon Peter, an uneducated fisherman (Acts 4:13), partnered with Silvanus, a prophet and competent writer, in producing this inspired document.

     Beyond these few details, little else is known about Silas/Silvanus. The New Testament record shows that he was:

o   a capable leader

o   an inspired prophet

o   an encouraging teacher

o   a dedicated missionary

o   an invaluable coworker

o   a skilled writer

His writing projects included at least four biblical manuscripts: the letter embedded in Acts 15:23-29, the Thessalonian correspondence, and 1 Peter.⁹ His vital role in the establishment and spread of the early Christian movement cannot be denied, the effects of which are still being experienced today. How unfortunate that the extent of his work is often overlooked and underappreciated. May we be encouraged and motivated by his life of faithful service.

--Kevin L. Moore

Endnotes:

     ¹ Acts 15:22–18:5.

     ² 2 Cor. 1:19 [cf. 10:14]; 1 Thess. 1:1; 2 Thess. 1:1; 1 Pet. 5:12.

     ³ Silvanus (meaning “of the woods” in Latin) was the name of a Roman deity considered to be the protector of forests and fields, including crops, herds, and flocks.

     ⁴ See The Aramaic Patronymic Bar-.

     ⁵ Cf. Acts 1:20; 7:42; 13:29, 33; 15:15; 18:27; 23:5, 25; 24:14; 25:26.

     ⁶ See Challenging Anti-Conservative Presuppositions Part 4.

     ⁷ Cf. 1 Thess. 2:1-2, 13; 3:1-2; 2 Cor. 1:19. In addition to his initial evangelistic efforts, Silas’ ongoing follow-up work is indicated by his remaining in Berea (Acts 17:14), returning to Macedonia after meeting Paul in Athens (Acts 17:15; 1 Thess. 1:1; 3:1-2; Acts 18:5), and potentially remaining in Corinth after Paul’s departure (Acts 18:5, 18).

     ⁸ See The Letters of Paul, Silvans & Timothy to the Thessalonians. 

     ⁹ For his potential involvement in the writing of Hebrews, see Plural Authorship of Hebrews Part 1, and Part 2.

Related Posts: Titus, The Story of Young Jacob

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How does “Unequally Yoked Together with Unbelievers” Apply to Marriage?

     In 2 Corinthians 6:14-16 six words are used interchangeably: heterozugéō (unequally yoked or matched; bound together), metochē (a sharing, partaking; partnership), koinōnía (communion, fellowship), sumphōnēsis (unison, agreement, concord, harmony), merís (a portion in common, a share), and sugkatáthesis (agreement, assent, accord, alliance). With these synonyms in mind, it is apparent that more than mere “external association” is involved here. These relationships have agreement, unity of mind and purpose, and certain things in common. Paul is not simply addressing physical union or calling for spatial separation (“since then you would need to go out of the world,” 1 Cor. 5:9-13; cf. 7:12-13; 10:27), but the focus is on spiritual, mental, and participatory alliance (cf. Col. 3:2; 1 John 2:15). 

     The metaphor “unequally yoked” may have been borrowed from Deut. 22:10, “You shall not plow with an ox and a donkey together.” Not only is a close relationship indicated, but Paul’s usage would apply to the binding together of beliefs, priorities, pursuits, activities, et al.¹ He is forbidding unholy alliances with the unbelieving world.

     The reason given is a list of contrasting opposites: “righteousness” vs. “lawlessness”; “light” vs. “darkness”; “Christ” vs. “Belial” [Satan]; “believing ones” vs. “unbelieving ones”; “temple of God” vs. “idols.” Everything contrasted here with Christian values is peculiar to the unbelieving world, particularly mid-first-century Corinth, from which believers are to be cognitively and behaviorally separated. The Christians of Corinth are being reminded to make a complete break, not with all their associations in the world (cf. 1 Cor. 5:9-10; 7:13-14; 10:27; 14:23), but with their idolatrous and sinful past (cf. 1 Cor. 6:18; 10:7, 14).

     How, then, does “unequally yoked” apply to marriage? While I am a strong advocate of faithful Christians marrying only faithful Christians (cf. 1 Cor. 7:39; 9:5), this is not what is specifically being addressed here. I would argue that it is extremely unwise for a child of God to marry an unbeliever, and I would counsel against it. As a disciple of Jesus, why would I want to spend my life with someone with whom I won't spend eternity? Why would I choose to marry a person with whom I can’t pray? Why would I intentionally prearrange for my children to grow up in a religiously divided home and likely be influenced to take the wrong spiritual path? Why would I purposefully marry someone knowing we probably won’t be going to church together and certainly not serving the Lord together?

     However, what happens when a believer marries an unbeliever anyway? Paul has already affirmed to the Corinthians that a marriage involving a Christian and a non-Christian, though less than ideal, is sanctioned by God and must not be dissolved (1 Cor. 7:10-14;² cf. Matt. 19:6). Therefore, if 2 Cor. 6:14-18 is to be applied to a religiously-mixed marriage, it would mean that the Christian wife or husband must not be in agreement with or participate in the sinful behavior of the non-Christian husband or wife. Leading one’s spouse to Christ should then be a top priority (1 Cor. 7:16; 1 Pet. 3:1-2).

--Kevin L. Moore

Endnotes:

     ¹ Contextually, because of the strained relationship between the Corinthians on one hand, and Paul and his associates on the other (vv. 11-13), the readers are being encouraged to correct their attitudes and behavior and to restore unity with God’s faithful ones.

     ² Those who argue that 1 Cor. 7:12-14 is directed only to couples already married are making an assumption not explicit in the text. If a believer goes ahead and marries an unbeliever anyway, would these directives still apply? Would it be sinful to enter into such a union but not sinful to remain in such a union? This is similar to the casuistic or case law (“if … then”) in 1 Cor. 7:10-11, where the order is not to separate or divorce (v. 10), but if this happens anyway, the Lord still has certain expectations (v. 11).

Related Posts: Premarital Decisions, What Does 'Fellowship' Really Mean?

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