Question:
Could you please explain 2 Corinthians 5:16, specifically the latter part that states, “Though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.”? Does this mean that we will never see Christ again in the flesh as He was during His first advent?
Answer:
The term “after the flesh” refers to living in a carnal way, after the manner of the unconverted person. The Apostle Paul had decided that he would no longer perceive the Lord in this manner. In the past, when he was persecuting Jesus’ followers, he looked at Him after the flesh. Now, he intends to view Him in a spiritual context. This shift is highlighted in the following verse: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” Jesus will not again be seen in mortal, human flesh, as He bore that burden once and for all. However, 2 Corinthians 5:16 does not specifically address this. It may be said that those who identify as Christians but do not experience His power only know Christ after the flesh. To truly know Him, one must possess His life—the new life in Christ Jesus that transforms character.
