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.
Ver. 16. No man after the flesh] i.e. We esteem no man simply the better or worse for his wealth, poverty, honour, ignominy, or anything outward. SeeJames 1:9,11. Thomas Watts, martyr, spake thus at his death to his wife and children: Wife, and my good children, I must now depart from you, therefore henceforth know I you no more; but as the Lord hath given you to me, so I give you again to him, whom I charge you see that ye obey. (Acts and Mon.)
Though we have known Christ] As possibly Paul might have known Christ in the flesh; for Jesus of Nazareth was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, Luke 24:19. Austin wished that he might have seen three things: Rome flourishing, Paul preaching, Christ conversing with men upon earth. Bede comes after, and correcting this last wish, saith, Yea, but let me see the King in his beauty, Christ in his heavenly kingdom. Paul was so spiritualized that he took knowledge of nothing here below; he passed through the world as a man in a deep muse, or that so looks for a lost jewel, that he overlooks all besides it.