Book of 1 John Chapter 2 Vs. 19

Warning Concerning Antichrists 

1 John 2:19 "They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would [no doubt] have continued with us: but [they went out], that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us."

They went out... The first characteristic mentioned of antichrists, i.e. false teachers and deceivers, verses 22-26, is that they depart from the faithful (see verses 22-23 for the second characteristic and verse 26 for the third). They arise from within the church and depart from true fellowship and lead people out with them.

They went out from us (ἐξ ἡμῶν ἐξῆλθαν)

The phrase went out from, may mean either removal (Rev. 18:4; John 8:59) or origin (Rev. 9:3; 14:13, 14:15, 14:17; 19:5, 19:21). Here the latter, as appears from the following clause. Compare Acts 20:30.

The verse also places emphasis on the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints. Those genuinely born again endure in faith and fellowship and the truth (1Cor. 11:19; 2Tim. 2:12). The ultimate test of true Christianity is endurance (Mark 13:13; Hebrews 3:14). The departure of people from the truth and the church is their unmasking.

We're not of

Literally, be out of; a characteristic expression of John. See John 3:31; 4:22; 7:17, 7:22; 8:23; 15:19; 18:36, 18:38, etc. It means more than to come out of: rather to come out of as that which is of; to be identified with something so as to come forth bearing its impress, moral or otherwise. See especially John 3:31: He that is of the earth is of the earth; i.e., partakes of its quality. Compare Christ's words to Nicodemus (John 3:6), and 1Co. 15:47.

Some in the church, but now departed, were never really part of it. Here is a clear distinction between those who merely appear to be Christians, based on outward affiliation, and those who really are whom the Lord knows and claims as His own. (1Cor. 8:3; Gal. 4:9; 2Tim. 2:19).

No doubt

A needless addition of the A.V.

With us (μεθ' ἡμῶν)

Ἑν ἡμῖν, among us, would be more according to John's ordinary usage; but his thought rests here rather on fellowship than on the unity of believers as one body.

Many times these false teachers and prophets, who are really opposed to Christ, pretend to be Christians. These people many times actually come to church and stir up the people. After a time, it is apparent that they are not Christians.

It is best, if you discover them, before they do any damage to the other believers. Usually they do not boldly come out against Christ. They just plant doubt in the other believers. One of Satan's favorite statements is, Did God say. If he can get you questioning, he has won that battle. Be steadfast, unmovable in your belief.

They might be made manifest (φανερωθῶσιν)

Shewed (ἐφανέρωσεν)

This rendering might easily convey merely the sense of appearing; but its meaning is much deeper. Occurring frequently in the New Testament, it is used most frequently of God and Christ, or of men in their relation to these. Thus, of Christ in person while upon earth (Mark 16:12, 16:14; John 1:31; 2:11; 1Pet. 1:20; 1Jhn. 1:2). Of the works of Christ (John 2:11; 9:3; 1Jhn. 3:5). Of Christ in redemption (1Jhn. 3:5). Of Christ in His second coming (1Jhn. 2:28). Of Christ in glory (1Jhn. 3:2; Col. 3:4). It is used of God. Of His revelation to men of the knowledge of Himself (Rom. 1:19). Of His manifestation in Christ (1Tim. 3:16). Of His righteousness (Rom. 3:21). Of His love (1Jhn. 4:9). It is used of men. As epistles manifesting the character and spirit of Christ (2Cor. 3:3; 5:11). In the judgment (2Cor. 5:10). In all these cases the appearing is not merely an appeal to sense, but is addressed to spiritual perception, and contemplates a moral and spiritual effect. It is the setting forth of the law or will or character of God; of the person or work of Christ; of the character or deeds of men, with a view to the disclosure of their quality and to the producing of a moral impression. Rev., manifested.

They were not all (οὐκ εἰσὶν πάντες)

Rev., more correctly, they all are not.

Of the false teachers John had in mind, he wrote, They went out from us. The word us here is most naturally taken as the apostolic first person plural of this epistle (see 1Jhn. 1:1-5; 4:6). Us contrasts with the you in 1Jhn. 2:20-21, which referred to the readers. It does not make sense that the false teachers had left the churches to which the readers belonged. If they had, how were they still a problem? On the other hand if, like the legalists of Acts 15:1-41, they had seceded from the apostolic churches of Jerusalem and Judea, then they were a particular threat to the readers because they came to them claiming roots in the soil out of which Christianity arose. Thus John was eager to deny any connection with them.

They did not really belong to us paraphrases an expression more literally rendered, they were not of us. The writer’s point was that these men did not really share the spirit and perspective of the apostolic circle, for if they had their secession would not have taken place. Heresy in the Christian church, whether on the part of its saved members or unsaved people in it, always unmasks a fundamental disharmony with the spirit and doctrine of the apostles. A man in touch with God will submit to apostolic instruction (cf. 1Jhn. 4:6).