2 Corinthians 5:16
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
2 Corinthians 5:16
16 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.
Chapter Context
2 Corinthians 5 is a apologetic epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of grace, salvation, redemption. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 55-56 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Paul defended his apostleship against challenges in a culture valuing rhetorical prowess.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-21: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 2 Corinthians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
2 Corinthians 5:16
16 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.
Analysis
Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh—Hōste hēmeis apo tou nyn oudena oidamen kata sarka (ὥστε ἡμεῖς ἀπὸ τοῦ νῦν οὐδένα οἴδαμεν κατὰ σάρκα). Apo tou nyn (ἀπὸ τοῦ νῦν, "from now on") marks decisive turning point. Kata sarka (κατὰ σάρκα, "according to the flesh") means evaluating by external criteria—ethnicity, status, appearance, credentials. Christ's death/resurrection revolutionizes epistemology: we no longer assess people by worldly standards.
Yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more—Ei kai egnōkamen kata sarka Christon, alla nyn ouketi ginōskomen (εἰ καὶ ἐγνώκαμεν κατὰ σάρκα Χριστόν, ἀλλὰ νῦν οὐκέτι γινώσκομεν). Did Paul know Jesus physically? Possibly (Acts 22:3 suggests Jerusalem presence). More likely: Paul once evaluated Jesus by fleshly standards—condemned Him as cursed false messiah (Galatians 3:13). Post-Damascus, Paul knows Christ as risen Lord. The point: crucifixion-resurrection transforms how we know everyone, especially Christ. Fleshly assessment saw weakness and defeat; resurrection reveals glory and victory. This new epistemology shatters cultural hierarchies: race, class, gender become secondary (Galatians 3:28).
Historical Context
Greco-Roman society was rigidly stratified: free/slave, citizen/foreigner, elite/common, male/female. Judaism maintained ethnic distinction: Jew/Gentile. Paul's gospel obliterated these categories' ultimate significance. In Christ, former enemies became siblings. This social revolution threatened existing power structures, contributing to Christian persecution.
Reflection
- How do you still evaluate people "according to the flesh"—by wealth, education, race, appearance—rather than by their identity in Christ?
- Has your knowledge of Christ moved beyond historical facts to personal, transforming encounter with the Risen Lord?
- What practical steps can you take to see all people through the lens of Christ's death and resurrection rather than worldly categories?
Cross-References
- References Christ: Galatians 5:6, Colossians 3:11
- Parallel theme: John 6:63, 15:14, James 3:17