THE flesh

Lutero, you asked:

Question: How is 2 Corinthians 5:16 to be interpreted?

We let Scripture interepret Scripture. 2 Cor 5:16 says:
2 Corinthians 5:16
King James Version (KJV)
16 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.

Who is St. Paul speaking of in the flesh? Jesus in the flesh? Or us in the flesh?

Here’s the key. St. Paul wants us to know “no man” after the flesh. Therefore, not Jesus either.

Not enough of a hint? Ok. Let’s keep reading about the flesh:
Romans 6:19
King James Version (KJV)
19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.

Romans 7:25
King James Version (KJV)
25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

Romans 8:5
King James Version (KJV)
5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

2 Corinthians 1:12
King James Version (KJV)
12 For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.

Feel free to look up “the flesh” in Scripture. You will find that THE flesh is the enemy of the Spirit. So, St. Paul is not talking about us knowing the Eucharist which is Christ’s flesh. He is talking about sinful people, who remain in THE flesh, who are therefore, unable to know Christ. Because sin prevents them from understanding the Word of God:

1 Corinthians 2:14
But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

Sincerely,

De Maria