2 Corinthians 5:16-17
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What's so powerful here is the shift from "we regard no one" to "we regard Christ." It's saying that our new perspective, rooted in Christ, transforms how we see everyone, not just Jesus. This wasn't just a general idea for Paul; it was a radical re-evaluation that began with his own encounter with the risen Christ.
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. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is explaining the radical transformation that happens when someone encounters Christ. He's just talked about how believers are new creations in him, and now he's showing how this new identity changes how we see everyone, including Jesus himself. Before this newness, people (and even the disciples) saw Jesus only in his earthly, human form, but now, through the Spirit, we see him differently, and that affects how we relate to all people.
We all do it – sizing people up in an instant based on how they look or act. But God's perspective cuts through all that. What does it truly mean to stop seeing people 'according to the flesh'?
Paul is challenging us to move past superficial judgments. Our old way of seeing, 'according to the flesh,' relied on external factors: social status, appearance, background, or even how well someone fit our expectations.
The Fleshly View:
The New Way:
Paul declares, 'we regard no one according to the flesh.' This means adopting God's perspective. It’s about recognizing the spiritual reality in people, especially fellow believers, that transcends all outward distinctions. It’s seeing them as God sees them – loved, redeemed, and part of His eternal plan.
Paul admits that even the followers of Jesus once saw Him through a limited lens. What did that look like, and why is seeing Him 'no longer' that way so crucial?
This is a profound confession. Paul acknowledges that before their conversion, they, like many others, viewed Jesus through a worldly, human lens. They might have seen Him as just a man, a teacher, perhaps a misguided leader, but not the divine Son of God.
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The 'Fleshly' View of Christ:
The Revelation:
'we regard him thus no longer.' This signifies a radical transformation. Through the resurrection and the Holy Spirit, their eyes were opened. They now see Jesus as the Christ, the Lord, the Savior of the world. This new vision of Christ reshapes everything, including how they view everyone else.
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.
en Christō · Greek Prepositional Phrase
A technical theological phrase describing the believer's vital, mystical, and covenantal union with Jesus, whereby they share in his life, death, and resurrection.
ktisis · Greek Noun
A person who has been born again by the Spirit, possessing a transformed nature and standing before God, marking the beginning of the eschatological age.
Paul emphasizes a radical shift in perspective: the resurrection of Jesus means believers no longer see people, or even Christ himself, through the limited lens of worldly status or appearance.
c. 30 AD
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
Jesus is crucified, an event that profoundly challenges initial perceptions of him as a worldly, political Messiah.
c. 30-60 AD
Early Church Growth and Persecution
The gospel spreads, facing significant opposition. Believers grapple with their new identity in Christ versus their old life.
c. 50-60 AD— this verse
Paul's Ministry and Letter Writing
Paul establishes churches and writes letters addressing their theological questions and practical challenges.
c. 64 AD
Great Fire of Rome
Nero blames Christians for the fire, leading to intensified persecution and further hardship for believers.
This passage directly contrasts human perspective with God's perspective, mirroring Paul's point that we should stop judging by outward appearances ('the flesh') as God sees differently.
Romans 8:5-6These verses elaborate on the 'mind of the flesh' versus the 'mind of the Spirit,' which is exactly the shift Paul describes when he says we no longer regard people or Christ 'according to the flesh.'
John 1:14This verse speaks about the Word becoming flesh, which is the ultimate example of God entering the human realm 'according to the flesh,' and yet the disciples' understanding of Him profoundly changed from that initial human perspective.
Galatians 3:28Paul echoes the idea that in Christ, old distinctions based on outward identity ('according to the flesh') are done away with, emphasizing the new way believers see each other and themselves.
What's so powerful here is the shift from "we regard no one" to "we regard Christ." It's saying that our new perspective, rooted in Christ, transforms how we see everyone, not just Jesus. This wasn't just a general idea for Paul; it was a radical re-evaluation that began with his own encounter with the risen Christ.
Paul is explaining the radical transformation that happens when someone encounters Christ. He's just talked about how believers are new creations in him, and now he's showing how this new identity changes how we see everyone, including Jesus himself. Before this newness, people (and even the disciples) saw Jesus only in his earthly, human form, but now, through the Spirit, we see him differently, and that affects how we relate to all people.
Paul is explaining the radical transformation that happens when someone encounters Christ. He's just talked about how believers are new creations in him, and now he's showing how this new identity changes how we see everyone, including Jesus himself. Before this newness, people (and even the disciples) saw Jesus only in his earthly, human form, but now, through the Spirit, we see him differently, and that affects how we relate to all people.
"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. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; be…" — What's so powerful here is the shift from "we regard no one" to "we regard Christ." It's saying that our new perspective, rooted in Christ, transforms how we see everyone, not just Jesus. This…
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Last reviewed October 2026
