1 John 2:19: The Departure of the Antichrists
The Context
In 1 John 2:19, the apostle John writes a letter to the early Christian community, warning them about the dangers of false teachers who have departed from the true faith. This verse is part of a larger passage (1 John 2:18-27) where John addresses the issue of antichrists and their influence on the faith community.
The Verse
"They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us." (1 John 2:19, NKJV)
The Meaning
In this verse, John is speaking about a group of people who have left the Christian community. These individuals had once been part of the faith community, but they have since departed and abandoned the true faith. John explains that if they had been genuine believers, they would have remained with the community. However, their departure reveals that they were not truly part of the community of faith.
The Antichrists
The phrase "they went out from us" implies that these individuals had once been associated with the Christian community. However, their departure is a manifestation of their true nature – they were never truly part of the community of faith. John describes them as "antichrists" (1 John 2:18), implying that they are against Christ and His teachings.
The Implication
The departure of these antichrists serves as a warning to the faithful. It highlights the importance of remaining faithful to the true teachings of Christ and not being swayed by false doctrines or teachers. John's message is clear: those who abandon the true faith are not of God, and their departure is a manifestation of their true nature.
Conclusion
In 1 John 2:19, the apostle John warns the early Christian community about the dangers of false teachers and the importance of remaining faithful to the true teachings of Christ. The departure of the antichrists serves as a warning to believers, reminding them to remain vigilant and faithful to the true faith.
