2 Corinthians 5:16 From now on, therefore, we know no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer.
This verse continues the idea of transformation. Change and new life are at the heart of the gospel message. Paul knew that well. “Therefore” marks the outcome of Jesus’ death and resurrection mentioned in vv. 14-15. The change we can experience comes because of what Jesus did in our behalf. “From the now” marks the change in time. This is a crisis decision on the part of the one who is changed and the believers who see this change in others. We know people in a different way. We see people as potentials. We acknowledge God’s grace and work in people’s lives. For the “we,” this will require that we give people grace and forgive as we have been forgiven. This is the essence of being reconcilers, which Paul will mention in just a few verses.
To know someone according to the flesh is to look upon a person in the old realm controlled by the selfish flesh. The natural tendency of the world is to see people as objects to be used and manipulated for selfish purposes. “Flesh” in Paul’s thinking refers to living out of earthly resources and desires. These desires can be redirected to God’s purposes. The desires of the flesh can be changed to seek God’s will and glory.
Paul saw Jesus from a worldly perspective before his experience on the road to Damascus. He saw Jesus only as an obstacle to his desire for self-focused righteousness. He was blinded by his own religious zeal. All of this changed when he met the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus. The object of his scorn became the object of his worship and adoration. His perspective changed about God’s plan of redemption. As Paul searched the Scripture, he found Jesus the Messiah prophesied and anticipated.
As Paul peered at Christ, he began to see the world around him differently. His desires and compulsions changed from his narrowed Jewish perspective to a vision to reach the whole world. He saw unbelievers, both Jews and Gentiles, as those for whom Christ died. He did not look at skin color, racial background, or religious affiliation. He saw people whom God loves. This new vision “compelled” him (v. 14) to go to many difficult places, even when it brought suffering and pain. This new vision is what drove Paul on his mission.
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