What does 2 Corinthians 1:22 mean?

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Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. 2 Corinthians 1:22

Explanation

2 Corinthians 1:22 refers to a few key concepts in Christian theology: the act of being “sealed” by God and the experience of receiving “the earnest of the Spirit” in the believers’ hearts. The sealing is understood as a mark of ownership and protection, indicating that the person is God’s property and under His care. It also signifies authenticity, as a document that is sealed represents something that is ratified or confirmed.

The phrase “the earnest of the Spirit” uses the term “earnest,” which is akin to a modern-day deposit or down payment guaranteeing what is to come. In this case, it represents the Holy Spirit, which is given to believers as a guarantee of their future inheritance in eternal life and completion of God’s promises. The Spirit’s presence in their hearts is a foretaste and assurance of the full redemption and heavenly blessings to be realized in the future.

Historical Context

Written by the Apostle Paul around 55-57 AD, 2 Corinthians is a letter to the church in Corinth. During this period, the early Christian community was in the process of understanding their identity in Christ and the implications of the new covenant. At that time, questions regarding apostolic authority, suffering, and the role of the Holy Spirit were central. Paul wrote this letter in part to defend his apostolic authority and to offer comfort and guidance to the believers who were facing hardships and doubts.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints have interpreted this verse and its significance.

Reformed Theology: Emphasizes predestination and may view sealing as synonymous with the security of the believer’s salvation.
Pentecostal Theology: Focuses heavily on the role of the Holy Spirit and might interpret this verse as relating to a tangible experience of the Holy Spirit’s presence in one’s life.
Catholic Theology: Recognizes the importance of the Holy Spirit but also includes the understanding of sacraments as outward signs of this inner grace and seal.

Practical Applications

In a practical sense, this verse can provide believers with assurance and a sense of identity in Christ. Knowing that they are sealed by God can bring comfort in times of doubt or suffering, serving as a reminder of God’s promises and love. Additionally, the experience of the Holy Spirit in one’s life can encourage ethical living and spiritual growth, cultivating the fruits of the Spirit as outlined in Galatians 5:22-23.

Cross-References

Ephesians 1:13-14: “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.”
Ephesians 4:30: “And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.”

Language Study

Sealed (σφραγίζω – sphragizō): In Greek, this word can mean to confirm, authenticate, or place under protection by marking with a seal.
Earnest (ἀρραβών – arrhabōn): A term taken from the commercial trade language of the time, which means a pledge or down payment that obligates the contracting party to fulfill the agreement.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the ancient Near East, sealing an object or document often indicated ownership or authority. Similarly, in various religions and mythologies, individuals or objects might be marked or sealed as belonging to or under the protection of a deity.

In Greco-Roman religion, for example, certain objects or places were considered sacred to particular gods and were often marked as such. In Judaism, the idea of a covenantal relationship with God involved certain signs, such as circumcision, as an outward sign of an inward commitment.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern psychology and neuroscience might approach the experiences described in this verse—of being sealed and having an earnest of the spirit in the heart—from the standpoint of cognitive and emotional experiences linked to religious belief and practice. While these experiences may not be directly measurable or quantifiable, they can be associated with changes in brain activity, emotional states, and social behavior.

commentaries

John Calvin: The Protestant Reformer took the sealing to refer to the Holy Spirit confirming faith in the believers’ hearts and the earnest as the Spirit’s work in the believer’s life as a taste of the future heavenly inheritance.
Matthew Henry: In his commentary, Henry saw the verse as offering comfort to believers, assuring them that God sets his mark upon them, lays up a good treasure in their hearts, and by the Holy Spirit secures them unto the day of redemption.
Gordon D. Fee: A contemporary New Testament scholar, Fee interprets the verse in light of wider Pauline theology which sees the Spirit as the down payment of the future resurrection life in the present and sees the sealing as God marking the believers as his own.