2 Corinthians 5:17 Meaning and Commentary

“Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.”– 2 Corinthians 5:16 (KJV)

“So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now!”– 2 Corinthians 5:16 (NLT)

“Because of this decision we don’t evaluate people by what they have or how they look. We looked at the Messiah that way once and got it all wrong, as you know.” – 2 Corinthians 5:16 (MSG)

What Does 2 Corinthians 5:16 Mean?

In this powerful verse, Paul shares a significant truth about our perception of people, especially regarding how we understand and evaluate them. Paul encourages a transformation in our view of one another. This transformation is realized when we stop measuring others by their outward appearance or human achievements. When he talks about knowing Christ after the flesh, he reflects on his previous misconceptions of Christ before his own profound experience of salvation on the road to Damascus. In simpler terms, we stop assessing others based solely on fleshly or worldly standards, such as looks, status, and socioeconomic background.

This change in perception is deeply connected to the new life we have in Christ. When we accept Jesus as our Savior, we are given a new lens through which we can view ourselves and others. Hence, the verse reminds us that before coming to Christ, our evaluation of others might align closely with worldly standards, but after experiencing Christ’s love, we ought to embrace a higher standard grounded in His grace and mercy.

2 Corinthians 5:16 Explanation and Commentary

When Paul speaks about knowing “no man after the flesh,” he urges us to recognize that our perspectives must shift. We often allow our social norms, stereotypes, and personal judgments to color how we view the people around us. We may decide who is worthy of our attention or respect based on superficial criteria. Paul challenges this notion, inviting us to reject such comparisons. In becoming new creations in Christ, we learn to see the divine potential within every person, moving beyond the skin-deep evaluations that society often imposes.

This revolutionary perspective is crucial for us as believers. When we truly acknowledge that everyone has inherent value because they are created in the image of God, our interactions change. We become more compassionate, accepting, and understanding of one another. We stop judging someone based on their past mistakes or their struggles. Instead, we begin to see them as potential bearers of God’s love and grace, deserving of respect and kindness.

Through this change, we can reshape our communities, intentionally fostering a more inclusive environment where everyone feels welcomed. The new view we receive through Christ helps to crop out prejudice, bias, and division, making room for love, unity, and understanding. As we embrace this new species in Christ, we should remember that when we once viewed Jesus with worldly eyes, we might have missed His divine purpose. Our job is to reflect that awareness to others.

Context of 2 Corinthians 5:16

To grasp the full significance of this verse, we ought to look at the surrounding chapters and what Paul is addressing in his letter to the Corinthian church. He is addressing a community grappling with various moral and theological challenges, which likely affected their ability to see one another as God sees them. Paul underscores that knowing Christ leads to a transformative experience, which should resonate in how we engage with our fellow believers and the world. He emphasizes that our previous way of seeing people through earthly lenses no longer serves the purpose of God’s work in our lives.

In the earlier verses, Paul discusses the hope we have in eternal life through Christ. With this hope firmly established, we are emboldened by a desire to influence our world positively. The new self Paul describes speaks of putting off the old ways, the old prejudices, and the established judgments that hinder genuine relationships. We are called to be ambassadors for Christ, and that calling contains a divine purpose to carry compassion and grace into every interaction.

Breaking Down the Key Parts of 2 Corinthians 5:16

The core message of this verse hinges on the concepts of “knowing” and “after the flesh.” Knowing someone implies a relationship, familiar with their essence. Yet, when we filter that knowledge through the flesh, we fall into misleading judgments. We often categorize people through restrictive labels and assumptions based on their appearance, status, or past behaviors.

The phrase “after the flesh” denotes merely human understanding and perspective. It shows a physical, carnal viewpoint that encapsulates our shallow assessments. With our fleshly perspectives, we end up missing out on the unique calling and worth of every individual. Paul’s insistence on moving past these carnal judgments is a call to embrace the more profound truths of our faith.

Additionally, this passage communicates the importance of recognizing our past orientations versus our current position in Christ. As Christians, the transformation we experience should compel us to rise above our old identities and perceptions. Our understanding of Christ shifts from a mere man who walked on earth to the Savior who defines our very existence as children of God. This transformation touches every aspect of our lives, inviting an enriched perspective where we can see one another in the light of God’s grace and potential.

Lessons to Learn From 2 Corinthians 5:16

This verse teaches several important lessons for our spiritual journey. Most importantly, it emphasizes the need to strive for a new perspective. We have a responsibility to live out our faith authentically by seeing value and dignity in everyone. It nudges us to practice empathy, understanding, and genuine love in just about any situation. Instead of responding with judgment or criticism, we should reflect kindness and support.

When we refuse to evaluate by fleshly standards, we push through insecurities and prejudices that trick us into building walls between each other. This lesson encourages us to confront and uproot biases that may lie dormant within us. Acknowledging where these biases originate can reshape how we interact with others and ultimately lead to unifying efforts that break down barriers in our communities. It reminds us that we stand equally before God, stripped of titles, and we should build relationships on that foundation.

Finally, we find a lesson in hope. The transformation that comes through Christ’s grace equips us to persuade and impact others positively. We can champion a new outlook and embody Christ-like love to those around us. The ability to uplift and encourage others, due to the meaningful change in our perceptions, is an incredibly powerful testament to God’s influence in our lives. With this renewed vision, we become agents of reconciliation and goodwill in an often-divisive world.

Final Thoughts

2 Corinthians 5:16 brings us a profound revelation that can transform our relationships and how we impact the world. As we actively seek to view others through God’s lens, we become more compassionate and forgiving toward them. This change reflects Christ’s love and grace both internally and externally and is vital for our communal and missional living.

So let us strive to practice this mentality as we interact, continuing to learn more about our brothers and sisters in Christ. May our transformations encourage us to pursue a deeper relationship with everyone we meet through the love of Christ. For more insights, feel free to check out additional resources like our exploration of 1 Corinthians 13:11 or witness other inspiring Bible verses to further our journey in faith.

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