Anointing in Scripture

 

The term "anointing" is frequently referenced in the Bible and holds a deep theological significance in the Judeo-Christian tradition. The Hebrew word for anointing is מָשַׁח "māšaḥ," from which the term "Messiah" originates, denoting "anointed one." The Greek equivalent in the New Testament is χρίω "chrio" to annoint. The Greek word Χριστός "Christos" or "Christ" signifies the "anointed one." The act of anointing has various applications throughout the Bible, including the consecration of priests, the inauguration of kings, and the symbolic representation of the Holy Spirit's empowerment. This post seeks to provide a biblically based understanding of anointing, drawing from the Old and New Testaments, supported by insights from the Church Fathers and other ancient sources.

Anointing for Consecration and Dedication

In the Old Testament, anointing was a sacred rite used to consecrate individuals for specific roles within Israel's religious and societal structure. The act involved pouring oil, often olive oil, on the person or object as a symbol of sanctification for divine service.

Priestly Anointing: The consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests required anointing with specially prepared oil (Exodus 30:30, ESV). This sacred act signified their separation for priestly duties, marking them as intermediaries between God and the Israelite community (Leviticus 8:12, ESV).

Kingly Anointing: Anointing was also integral in the inauguration of Israelite kings. Samuel anointed Saul (1 Samuel 10:1, ESV) and later David (1 Samuel 16:13, ESV) as kings over Israel, marking divine approval and authority for their rule.

Anointing as a Symbol of Divine Favor and Empowerment

Beyond the formal roles in the religious hierarchy, the Bible presents anointing as a manifestation of God's favor, protection, and empowerment.

David, in Psalm 23:5 (ESV), proclaims, "You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows," symbolizing the overflowing blessings and protection from the Lord.

Isaiah, prophesying about the coming Messiah, states, "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me" (Isaiah 61:1, ESV). This prophetic utterance is later confirmed by Jesus in Luke 4:18 (ESV) when He reads the same scripture in the synagogue, revealing His messianic identity and mission.

Anointing in the New Testament

In the New Testament, the concept of anointing takes on a deeper spiritual dimension, primarily associated with the Holy Spirit.

The Apostle John assures believers of their anointing from the Holy One, emphasizing discernment and truth (1 John 2:20, 27, ESV). This anointing by the Holy Spirit equips believers with spiritual insights, empowering them for divine service.

James advises believers to anoint the sick with oil in the name of the Lord, signifying healing and wholeness through prayer and faith (James 5:14, ESV).

Anointing for Pastoral and Ministerial Work

The role of pastoral leadership and ministry is central to the mission and structure of the Christian church. While the Bible does not explicitly delineate anointing rituals specific to pastors as it does for priests and kings, it offers guiding principles on the spiritual anointing and qualifications for those called into pastoral and ministerial roles. 

Old Testament Foundations

Though the Old Testament does not directly address the anointing of pastors, it provides a foundation for understanding God's calling and the equipping of leaders.

Prophetic Calling: Prophets were often divinely chosen to deliver God's message. Jeremiah’s calling exemplifies this: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations” (Jeremiah 1:5, ESV). This divine appointment underscores the principle that God equips those He calls.

New Testament Affirmations

The New Testament provides clearer insights into the qualifications, duties, and spiritual anointing associated with pastoral and ministerial roles.

Spiritual Gifts: Paul, in his epistles, speaks of spiritual gifts bestowed by the Holy Spirit, emphasizing that some are called to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds (or pastors), and teachers (Ephesians 4:11, ESV). This diversification of roles underscores the Spirit’s anointing for specific functions within the church.

Qualifications for Overseers: In his pastoral epistles, Paul lists qualifications for overseers (or bishops) and deacons – roles closely associated with pastoral and ministerial duties (1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9, ESV). These qualifications, ranging from personal character to teaching ability, signify that pastoral anointing is not just about spiritual empowerment but also character and competence.

Laying on of Hands: The New Testament records instances where individuals were set apart for ministry through the laying on of hands, a symbolic act of blessing, and commissioning (Acts 6:6; 1 Timothy 4:14, ESV). This act can be seen as a physical representation of spiritual anointing for ministry.

The Bible, while not outlining a specific ritual for the anointing of pastors, underscores the importance of divine calling, character, and spiritual empowerment for those in pastoral and ministerial roles. The New Testament, complemented by early Christian writings, paints a picture of pastoral leaders anointed by the Holy Spirit, equipped with spiritual gifts, and held to high standards of character and doctrine. This divine anointing is vital for the effective shepherding of God's flock and the advancement of the Gospel.

Insights from the Church Fathers 

Several Church Fathers have elaborated on the theological significance of anointing. Augustine of Hippo viewed the anointing of believers as a seal of the Holy Spirit, a mark of divine favor and protection1. Similarly, Irenaeus emphasized the transformative power of anointing, likening it to the renewing work of the Spirit in the believer's life.

Early Christian writings provide additional insights into the understanding and practice of anointing pastoral leaders.

Ignatius of Antioch emphasized the importance of unity with the bishop and respect for the ecclesiastical hierarchy1. This suggests recognizing a divine anointing on pastoral leaders, warranting respect and obedience.

The Didache, an early Christian treatise, offers instructions on discerning the authenticity of itinerant prophets and teachers, reinforcing the New Testament emphasis on character and sound doctrine.

Anointing, in biblical scripture, is a multifaceted ritual and symbol. From consecrating priests and kings in the Old Testament to symbolizing the Holy Spirit's empowerment in the New Testament, anointing represents divine favor, authority, and sanctification. As the Bible and ancient sources affirm, the anointing remains a profound theological concept, emphasizing God's enduring presence and transformative power in the life of the believer.