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The Pastor's Desk 
July 24, 2025
 
 
2 Corinthians 5:16-17
King James Version
 
“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.
17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

Context:

2 Corinthians 5:16-17 is a passage in Paul's letter, revealing a radical transformation that occurs when someone comes to faith in Jesus Christ.

What does 2 Corinthians 5:16-17 Mean:

2 Corinthians 5:16: “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.”

• "Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh": This means from now on, we judge or evaluate no one based on outward, worldly criteria—like status, appearance, or past mistakes. Paul is saying that once we are in Christ, our perspective shifts. We see others through the lens of grace, not superficial judgment.

• "yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more": Paul admits that prior to his conversion, he viewed Jesus in a purely human, earthly way. He might have dismissed Him as a mere man. However, his conversion radically altered this perception. He no longer sees Christ through such limited, human lenses, but as the divine, resurrected Lord. This spiritual understanding of Christ then informs how he views all people.

2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

• "If any man be in Christ" signifies the condition of spiritual union with Jesus Christ through faith.

• "he is a new creature" (or "new creation") is the central declaration. This refers to a radical, divine transformation. It's not just a change in behavior, but a complete spiritual re-birth.

• "old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new": Means the former way of life, characterized by sin, self-centeredness, and separation from God, is gone. It's no longer the defining reality. It highlights that everything is made fresh and reoriented. This includes a new heart, new desires, new perspectives, new motivations, and a new relationship with God. It's an ongoing process (sanctification) that begins at conversion and continues throughout one's life. The "behold" is an exclamation, drawing attention to the wonder of this change.

In Summary, 2 Corinthians 5:16-17 teaches that:

This passage is a cornerstone of Christian identity. It reminds us that faith in Christ isn’t just about forgiveness—it’s about transformation. It challenges us to live with renewed purpose and to see others as God sees them: full of potential, worthy of grace, and capable of change.