2 Corinthians 5:16

2 Corinthians 5:16 marks a profound shift in perspective for believers, emphasizing a new way of relating to others and even to Christ Himself, no longer based on superficial or worldly criteria.

Context of 2 Corinthians 5:16

This verse is situated within a powerful section of Paul's second letter to the Corinthians, where he discusses the motivations and nature of his apostolic ministry. Chapters 4 and 5 focus on the hope of eternal life, the temporary nature of earthly existence, and the driving force of Christ's love. Immediately preceding this verse, Paul explains that the love of Christ constrains or compels him, because Christ died for all. Verse 16 then sets the stage for the groundbreaking declaration in 2 Corinthians 5:17, "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature." It's a foundational statement for understanding the nature of the new covenant and the transformed life in Christ.

Key Themes and Messages

• A Transformed Perspective: The phrase "know we no man after the flesh" signifies a radical departure from judging or valuing individuals based on their external characteristics, social status, wealth, ethnicity, or any other earthly distinction. For Paul, the old ways of assessing people based on their physical or worldly attributes are obsolete.
• Spiritual Discernment over Worldly Judgment: This verse calls believers to look beyond outward appearances. In Christ, what matters is one's spiritual identity and relationship with God, not their background or earthly achievements. This perspective fosters unity and breaks down human-made barriers, as highlighted in Galatians 3:28, which states there is neither Jew nor Gentile, slave nor free, male nor female in Christ.
• Understanding Christ Anew: The statement "though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we [him] no more" is profound. It acknowledges that even early believers might have initially perceived Jesus primarily as a historical figure, a Jewish man from Nazareth. However, after His resurrection and ascension, and the revelation of His divine nature and salvific work, their understanding of Him shifted dramatically. He is now known as the resurrected, spiritual Lord, the Son of God, not merely a human teacher or prophet. This echoes the spiritual reality of the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwelling in us.
• The Foundation for the New Creation: By abandoning "fleshly" knowledge, believers are prepared to embrace the reality of the new creation. If we no longer view others or Christ through worldly lenses, we can see and participate in the spiritual transformation brought about by being "in Christ." This is the spiritual basis for the ministry of reconciliation Paul describes later in the chapter.

Linguistic Insights

The key phrase "after the flesh" translates the Greek kata sarka (κατὰ σάρκα). In Pauline theology, "flesh" (sarx) often refers not merely to the physical body but to the human nature apart from divine influence, prone to sin, and operating on worldly principles. To "know after the flesh" means to evaluate or relate based on these worldly, unspiritual criteria. This contrasts sharply with knowing "after the Spirit" or seeing things from a divine perspective.

Practical Application

For believers today, 2 Corinthians 5:16 challenges us to examine our own perspectives. Do we still judge others based on their background, appearance, wealth, social media presence, or political affiliation? This verse calls us to see people as God sees them – as potential or actual new creations in Christ, worthy of love and respect, stripped of worldly labels. It also reminds us to continually grow in our understanding of Christ, moving beyond a merely historical or intellectual knowledge to a deep, spiritual relationship with the resurrected Lord, who lives and reigns today.