2 Corinthians 5:16 – “So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer.”

Extended Explanation

Paul is teaching that after coming to Christ, believers no longer see people the way the world does. Before salvation, people often judge others by outward appearances, social status, wealth, or personal achievements. But when someone becomes a Christian, their way of seeing the world completely changes.

Paul admits that at one time, even he saw Jesus “from a worldly point of view.” Before his conversion, Paul (then called Saul) viewed Jesus as just another man, a false teacher, or even a threat to Judaism. But after meeting Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9), Paul’s entire perspective changed. He realized Jesus is not just a man—He is the Son of God, the Savior of the world.

This verse challenges believers to stop judging others based on earthly standards. Instead, they should see people as God sees them—as souls who need Jesus. Every person is either saved and part of God’s family or lost and in need of salvation. That should shape how Christians interact with others.

Historical Context

Paul wrote this letter to the Corinthians, a church that struggled with worldly thinking. Many in Corinth valued people based on wealth, status, and success. Some even judged Paul because he was not as polished or impressive as other speakers (2 Corinthians 10:10).

In Greek and Roman culture, public reputation was everything. A person’s worth was often judged by their position in society, their ability to speak well, or their level of success. Paul rejects this way of thinking. Believers should not measure people by temporary, worldly standards, but by their spiritual condition.

Paul’s personal journey also shaped this teaching. Before becoming a Christian, he persecuted believers because he viewed them as dangerous (Acts 8:1-3). But after encountering Jesus, he saw them as God’s chosen people. This transformation in Paul’s thinking is what he wants all believers to experience.

Theological Implications

This verse highlights several key biblical truths:

• Salvation changes how we see people – Instead of valuing people by worldly success, Christians should see them as souls who need Jesus.
• Faith in Christ changes our view of Jesus Himself – Paul once saw Jesus as just a man, but after salvation, he knew Jesus was the risen Savior.
• Christians should focus on eternal things – Instead of judging by earthly standards, believers should focus on what truly matters—a person’s relationship with God.
• God’s family is made up of all people – Race, social class, wealth, and appearance mean nothing in God’s kingdom. What matters is faith in Christ (Galatians 3:28).

This verse is a direct challenge to worldly thinking. It reminds believers to measure people not by human achievements, but by God’s standards.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s writing in this verse is structured to show transformation:

• “From now on” – This phrase marks a turning point. A person’s mindset is completely changed after salvation.
• “We regard no one from a worldly point of view” – Paul is teaching that the way we see people should be based on spiritual realities, not outward appearances.
• “Though we once regarded Christ in this way” – Paul acknowledges that before he knew Jesus, he judged Him wrongly.
• “We do so no longer” – Paul’s encounter with Christ changed everything about how he saw Jesus.

This verse has a progression of thought: First, how we see others changes, and second, how we see Christ changes. A person’s entire worldview shifts when they come to faith in Jesus.

Biblical Cross-References

• 1 Samuel 16:7 – “People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” God’s judgment is based on the heart, not external status.
• Romans 12:2 – “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Salvation changes how we think.
• John 8:15 – “You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one.” Jesus criticized people who focused only on outward appearances.
• Philippians 3:7-8 – Paul says that after coming to Christ, he now considers all his former achievements worthless compared to knowing Jesus.
• Galatians 3:28 – “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” In God’s kingdom, earthly distinctions no longer matter.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse challenges Christians to change the way they see people. The world often values people based on:

• Success
• Wealth
• Popularity
• Appearance
• Talent

But these things do not define a person in God’s eyes. Instead of judging by earthly standards, Christians should see people based on:

• Their need for Christ
• Their spiritual condition
• Their value as someone made in God’s image

It also reminds Christians to evaluate their own thinking. Are they still caught up in worldly values, or are they seeing things as God sees them?

This verse is especially important in a world that is obsessed with status, fame, and materialism. Believers are called to think differently—to see beyond the temporary and focus on what is eternal.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is not based on human standards. He does not judge people by their appearance, wealth, or social status. Instead, He sees the heart and offers salvation to all, regardless of their background.

• God loves unconditionally – His love is not based on performance or achievements.
• God calls us to see people as He does – He wants us to value people for who they truly are, not for what they have accomplished.
• God transforms our thinking – Through salvation, He teaches us to think eternally, not temporarily.

This verse reveals that God’s love changes everything, including how we see others and how we see Christ.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Before salvation, people do not see Jesus for who He truly is. They may think He was just a teacher, a prophet, or even a religious leader. But once someone comes to faith, they realize:

• Jesus is the Son of God – He is not just another person; He is the only Savior.
• Jesus’ death and resurrection change everything – Salvation is not about religious effort, but about believing in His finished work.
• Jesus is the center of all things – Life is not about personal success, but about knowing and following Christ.

Paul himself went from persecuting Christians to preaching Christ because his view of Jesus changed. That same transformation happens in the heart of every true believer.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does this verse challenge the way you see other people?
2. Are there areas in your life where you still judge by worldly standards?
3. How has your understanding of Jesus changed since coming to faith?
4. How can you show love to people without focusing on outward appearances?
5. What are some practical ways you can train yourself to see people as God sees them?

This verse is a powerful reminder that salvation changes everything. It transforms how we see others, how we see Jesus, and how we live our lives. Paul challenges every believer to stop thinking like the world and start thinking like Christ.