What was Paul reflecting on when he said we know no man after the flesh?
Paul was reflecting on Christ’s earthly ministry. He had been contemporary with Christ and had known Him after the flesh during that ministry, but now henceforth he declares that they know Him no more in that way. This contrast introduces the believer’s new creation in Christ.
Les explains that when Paul says, “Wherefore henceforth we know no man after the flesh,” he is reflecting back on Christ’s earthly ministry. Paul was contemporary with Him and knew Him in His earthly ministry, yet now henceforth we know Him no more. This follows the truth that the love of Christ constrains us: if one died for all, then all were dead, and He died for all so that those who live should not live unto themselves but unto Him who died for them and rose again. Paul’s same concept appears in Galatians 2:20, “I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live, yet not I but Christ liveth in me.” The result is that if any person is in Christ, he is a new creature or creation; old things are passed away, and all things are become new. Les says this is part of the new birth and salvation, because God has created within us a transformed mind.
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.
More Questions
Why does Paul say 'henceforth know we no man after the flesh'?
Paul says 'wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh' because of the work of the cross — Christ's death, burial, and resurrection — so from that point on we no longer relate to Him on the basis of the flesh.
Why does Paul say he no longer knows Christ after the flesh?
Because of his revelations on the road to Damascus and in Arabia, Paul no longer refers to Christ in his earthly ministry, which is what he means by knowing no man after the flesh.