2 Corinthians 5:16
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The real kicker here is that Paul admits they themselves used to judge even Jesus based on outward appearances, which shows how deeply ingrained our fleshly way of thinking is. This "flesh" Paul speaks of isn't just about our bodies, but about our whole perspective – how we tend to evaluate everything and everyone based on what we can see and touch, rather than what God sees.
From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is explaining the radical new perspective believers have in Christ, moving beyond superficial earthly judgments. He's just described the intense pressure and suffering the apostles endure for the sake of the gospel, asserting that this outward affliction is actually God's refining process, preparing them for eternity with Him. Therefore, from this point forward, their understanding of people—and even Christ Himself—is transformed, no longer based on outward appearances or worldly status.
Ever judged someone too quickly based on how they look or act? This verse calls us to a radical shift in perspective.
The Shift from Flesh to Spirit
Paul is clear: our old way of seeing people is done. 'From now on, therefore,' he writes, signifies a profound turning point that begins with Christ. We are no longer to evaluate individuals based on outward appearances, social status, ethnicity, or any other 'fleshly' characteristic. This means moving past assumptions and prejudices that cloud our vision.
Why This Change Matters
Our old lens saw Christ himself based on worldly standards – a carpenter, a peasant, an executed criminal. But the resurrection changed everything. Now, because of our relationship with Jesus, we see everyone through the lens of God's kingdom. This transformation isn't just about how we see others, but about recognizing the inherent dignity and spiritual reality of every person created by God.
The way we see Jesus profoundly impacts how we see everyone else. Paul admits a startling past mistake regarding Christ himself.
Revising Our View of Jesus
Paul uses a powerful example: 'Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh...' This isn't a condemnation, but an acknowledgment of a common human tendency. Before encountering the risen Christ, people saw him through worldly eyes – his humble birth, his itinerant ministry, his eventual crucifixion. These were earthly, even negative, indicators to many.
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The New Reality in Christ
'...we regard him thus no longer.' The resurrection shattered any lingering 'fleshly' perceptions. Jesus is now understood as the divine Son of God, the Lord of all, the Savior. This complete re-evaluation of Christ is the foundation for how we now see others. If our understanding of Jesus has been revolutionized, our understanding of every person, made in His image and potentially reconciled to Him, must be too.
Understand the original words
ginōskō · Greek Verb
To judge, esteem, or form an opinion about someone or something. In this context, it refers to the human perspective or standard of evaluation.
sarx · Greek Noun
Refers to the realm of human existence apart from the transforming power of the Holy Spirit; it denotes a worldly, natural, or fallen human perspective.
Christos · Greek Noun
The Anointed One of God; the Messiah. The title emphasizes his divine office and role as the Savior of the world.
Paul's statement reflects a profound shift experienced by himself and other early believers, moving from earthly judgments to a spiritual understanding of Christ and others, a change deeply rooted in the transformative event of Jesus' resurrection and their ongoing experiences of mission and opposition.
c. 30-33 AD— this verse
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
Jesus is crucified, then resurrected, fundamentally altering how his followers perceive him and his mission.
c. 30-36 AD
Saul's Persecution of Christians
Saul of Tarsus actively persecutes the early church, viewing Jesus followers through a lens of earthly, religious opposition.
c. 33-36 AD
Saul's Conversion
Saul encounters the resurrected Jesus on the road to Damascus, leading to a radical transformation of his perspective.
c. 40s-50s AD
Paul's Missionary Journeys
The Apostle Paul travels extensively, establishing churches and spreading the gospel, often facing opposition and misunderstanding.
c. 50-52 AD
Council of Jerusalem
A pivotal council addresses whether Gentile converts must follow Jewish law, highlighting tensions between Jewish and Gentile believers and different perspectives on identity.
c. 55 AD
Writing of 1 Corinthians
Paul addresses divisions and immaturity in the Corinthian church, including issues related to differing perceptions of spiritual leaders.
This passage echoes the same theme, reminding us that God looks at the heart, not outward appearances, which is precisely the shift in perspective Paul is describing.
Romans 8:5-6These verses directly contrast the 'mind set on the flesh' with the 'mind set on the Spirit,' highlighting the profound difference in how we perceive everything and everyone when we are guided by God's Spirit instead of our old ways of thinking.
John 3:3Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus about 'being born again' speaks to the radical transformation required to see the Kingdom of God, mirroring how Paul's new perspective on Christ and others stems from this spiritual rebirth.
Galatians 3:28This verse emphasizes the unity in Christ that breaks down earthly divisions, showing how 'according to the flesh' thinking (like divisions based on social status or ethnicity) is no longer valid for believers who see each other through the lens of Christ.
The real kicker here is that Paul admits they themselves used to judge even Jesus based on outward appearances, which shows how deeply ingrained our fleshly way of thinking is. This "flesh" Paul speaks of isn't just about our bodies, but about our whole perspective – how we tend to evaluate everything and everyone based on what we can see and touch, rather than what God sees.
Paul is explaining the radical new perspective believers have in Christ, moving beyond superficial earthly judgments. He's just described the intense pressure and suffering the apostles endure for the sake of the gospel, asserting that this outward affliction is actually God's refining process, preparing them for eternity with Him. Therefore, from this point forward, their understanding of people—and even Christ Himself—is transformed, no longer based on outward appearances or worldly status.
Paul is explaining the radical new perspective believers have in Christ, moving beyond superficial earthly judgments. He's just described the intense pressure and suffering the apostles endure for the sake of the gospel, asserting that this outward affliction is actually God's refining process, preparing them for eternity with Him. Therefore, from this point forward, their understanding of people—and even Christ Himself—is transformed, no longer based on outward appearances or worldly status.
"From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer." — The real kicker here is that Paul admits they themselves used to judge even Jesus based on outward appearances, which shows how deeply ingrained our fleshly way of thinking is. This "flesh" Paul sp…
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Last reviewed October 2026
