What is Paul talking about in 2 Corinthians 5:16 when he says "henceforth"?
In 2 Corinthians 5:16, “henceforth” points to the accomplished work of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. Paul is not referring to John the Baptist, Bethlehem, or other events, but to the finished redemptive act, and the “wherefore” calls readers back to the truth that Christ died for all.
Les explains that when Paul uses “wherefore” or “therefore,” he wants readers to reflect on what he has just said. In the preceding context, Paul stressed that Christ died for all, and since He died for all, every last human being was dead in trespasses and sins until God brought them out of that deadness by an act of God when they believe the Gospel. Therefore, at 2 Corinthians 5:16, the “wherefore” is based on that accomplished work, and “henceforth” refers to Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. Les notes that Paul is not talking about John the Baptist, Bethlehem, or any of these other things; he is talking about the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.
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
What does 'henceforth' refer to in 2 Corinthians 5:16?
In 2 Corinthians 5:16, 'henceforth' refers to Christ's death, burial, and resurrection, not to John the Baptist or Bethlehem.
Why does Paul say 'wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh' in 2 Corinthians 5:16?
Paul's 'wherefore' in verse 16 points back to the work of the cross—Christ's death, burial, and resurrection—as the reason we henceforth know no man after the flesh.
Why does Paul say 'we know Christ no more' in 2 Corinthians 5:16?
Les explains Paul's statement in 2 Corinthians 5:16 by turning to 1 Corinthians 1:12, where Paul was up against opposition in the Corinthian church.