Definition: 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.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important passage from 2 Corinthians 5:16. It’s a really profound statement about our relationship with Jesus and how we move forward in faith. Here's an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse essentially says that after we’ve experienced Christ through the life of Jesus, we no longer see him as distinct from God. We’ve been touched by his love and teachings, but now we’re focused on something beyond Him – on our own lives and what happens after. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh…” This is a key phrase. "Nowhere henceforth" means "nevermore." It’s saying that from now on , we won’t think about or relate to other people in the same way as before we met Jesus. We're not looking for him in their lives, or feeling his presence in them. “…ya though we have known Christ after the flesh…” This is a little more complex, but it means that we have been given a glimpse of Christ’s love and teachings through his life. We've been touched by him – we’ve experienced some of what he did, said, and taught. “…yet now henceforth know we [him] no more.” This is the core of the verse. “Know” means to understand or recognize something. After experiencing Christ, we no longer truly recognize him as a separate person, a divine being. We're not seeing him as a distinct, special individual. We've moved beyond him – we’re focusing on us . What does this mean in practical terms? It means that after you’ve received Jesus’s grace and love, you’re encouraged to live a life centered on God and not on anything else. It’s a shift in perspective - you're focused on serving Him and following his teachings, rather than seeking him out or feeling his presence in others. It’s about recognizing that He is the ultimate focus of our lives. Why is this important? This passage speaks to several important truths: True Faith Requires a Shift: It's not enough just to know Jesus; you must forget about him – to stop seeking him out and focusing on your own life. Focus on God: It’s a call to shift our attention and commitment back to God, who is the central figure of our faith. In short, it's a powerful reminder that after we’ve been touched by Christ, we are called to live a life dedicated to Him. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you some examples of how this principle applies to everyday life? Discuss the context of this passage within 1 Corinthians 15:3-4?