TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 1 John 2:18–19. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Here is, I. A moral prognostication of the time; the end is coming: Little children, it is the last time, Jo1 2:18. Some may suppose that the apostle here addresses the first rank of Christians again; the juniors are most apt to be seduced, and therefore, "Little children, you that are young in religion, take heed to yourselves that you be not corrupted." But it may be, as elsewhere, a universal appellation, introductive of an alarm to all Christians: "Little children, it is the last time; our Jewish polity in church and state is hastening to an end; the Mosaic institution and discipline are just upon vanishing away; Daniel's weeks are now expiring; the destruction of the Hebrew city and sanctuary is approaching, the end whereof must be with a flood, and to the end of the war desolations are determined," Dan 9:26. It is meet that the disciples should be warned of the haste and end of time, and apprised as much as may be of the prophetic periods of time.
II.The sign of this last time:
Even now there are many antichrists (Jo1 2:18), many that oppose the person, doctrine, and kingdom of Christ. It is a mysterious portion of providence that antichrists should be permitted; but, when they have come, it is good and safe that the disciples should be informed of them; ministers should be watchmen to the house of Israel. Now it should be no great offence nor prejudice to the disciples that there are such antichrists:
1.One great one has been foretold: As you have heard that antichrist shall come, Jo1 2:18. The generality of the church have been informed by divine revelation that there must be a long and fatal adversary to Christ and his church, Th2 2:8-10. No wonder then that there are many harbingers and forerunners of the great one: Even now there are many antichrists, the mystery of iniquity already worketh.
2.They were foretold also as the sign of this last time. For there shall arise false Christs and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders, insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect, Mat 24:24. And these were the forerunners of the dissolution of the Jewish state, nation, and religion: Whereby we know it is the last time, Jo1 2:18. Let the prediction that we see there has been of seducers arising in the Christian world fortify us against their seduction.
III.Some account of these seducers or antichrists.
1.More positively. They were once entertainers or professors of apostolical doctrine: "They went out from us (Jo1 2:19), from our company and communion;" possibly from the church of Jerusalem, or some of the churches of Judea, as Act 15:1, Certain men came down from Judea, and taught the brethren, etc. The purest churches may have their apostates and revolters; the apostolic doctrine did not convert all whom it convinced of its truth.
2.More privately. "They were not inwardly such as we are: But they were not of us; they had not from the heart obeyed the form of sound doctrine delivered to them; they were not of our union with Christ the head." Then here is,
(1.)The reason upon which it is concluded that they were not of us, were not what they pretended, or what we are, and that is their actual defection: "For, if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us (Jo1 2:19); had the sacred truth been rooted in their hearts it would have held them with us; had they had the anointing from above, by which they had been made true and real Christians, they would not have turned antichrists." Those that apostatize from religion sufficiently indicate that, before, they were hypocrites in religion: those who have imbibed the spirit of gospel truth have a good preservative against destructive error.
(2.)The reason why they are permitted thus to depart from apostolical doctrine and communion - that their insincerity may be detected: But this was done (or they went out) that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us, Jo1 2:19. The church knows not well who are its vital members and who are not; and therefore the church, considered as internally sanctified, may well be styled invisible. Some of the hypocritical must be manifested here, and that for their own shame and benefit too, in their reduction to the truth, if they have not sinned unto death, and for the terror and caution of others. You therefore, beloved, seeing you know these things before, beware lest you also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. But grow in grace, etc., Pe2 3:17, Pe2 3:18.
Historical interpretation
Eight Centuries of Reception
15 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
"They went out from us; but they were not of us"-neither the apostate angels, nor men falling away;-"but that they may be manifested that they are not of us." With sufficient clearness he distinguishes the class of the elect and that of the lost, and that which remaining in faith "has an unction from the Holy One," which comes through faith. He that abideth not in faith.
"They went out from us," says (St. John, ) "but they were not of us. If they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us."
What does the fierceness of wolves do in the Christian breast? What the savageness of dogs, and the deadly venom of serpents, and the sanguinary cruelty of wild beasts? We are to be congratulated when such as these are separated from the Church, lest they should lay waste the doves and sheep of Christ with their cruel and envenomed contagion. Bitterness cannot consist and be associated with sweetness, darkness with light, rain with clearness, battle with peace, barrenness with fertility, drought with springs, storm with tranquillity. Let none think that the good can depart from the Church. The wind does not carry away the wheat, nor does the hurricane uproot the tree that is based on a solid root. The light straws are tossed about by the tempest, the feeble trees are overthrown by the onset of the whirlwind. The Apostle John execrates and severely assails these, when he says, "They went forth from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, surely they would have continued with us."
Has once learned, never departs from Him at all, and that those are the Church who remain in the house of God; but that, on the other hand, they are not the plantation planted by God the Father, whom we see not to be established with the stability of wheat, but blown about like chaff by the breath of the enemy scattering them, of whom John also in his epistle says, "They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, no doubt they would have continued with us.".
That we must not speak with heretics. To Titus: "A man that is an heretic, after one rebuke avoid; knowing that one of such sort is perverted, and sinneth, and is by his own self condemned." Of this same thing in the Epistle of John: "They went out from among us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would doubtless have remained with us." Also in the second to Timothy: "Their word doth creep as a canker."
It seems to us that all who appear to be good and faithful ought to receive the gift of final perseverance. God, however, has judged it better to mingle some who will not persevere with the certain number of his saints, so that those for whom security in the temptations of this life is not helpful cannot be secure.
Whom has he called antichrists? He goes on and expounds. "Whereby we know that it is the last hour," By what? Because "many antichrists are come. They went out from us;" see the antichrists! "They went out from us:" therefore we bewail the loss. Hear the consolation. "But they were not of us." All heretics, all schismatics went out from us, that is, they go out from the Church; but they would not go out, if they were of us. Therefore, before they went out they were not of us. If before they went out they were not of us, many are within, are not gone out, but yet are antichrists. We dare to say this: and why, but that each one while he is within may not be an antichrist? For he is about to describe and mark the antichrists, and we shall see them now. And each person ought to question his own conscience, whether he be an antichrist. For antichrist in our tongue means, contrary to Christ. Not, as some take it, that antichrist is to be so called because he is to come ante Christum, before Christ, i.e. Christ to come after him: it does not mean this, neither is it thus written, but Antichristus, i.e. contrary to Christ. Now who is contrary to Christ ye already perceive from the apostle's own exposition, and understand that none can go out but antichrists; whereas those who are not contrary to Christ, can in no wise go out. For he that is not contrary to Christ holds fast in His body, and is counted therewith as a member. The members are never contrary one to another. The entire body consists of all the members.
"They went out from us; but," be not sad, "they were not of us." How provest thou this? If they had been of us, they would doubtless have continued with us. Hence therefore ye may see, that many who are not of us, receive with us the Sacraments, receive with us baptism, receive with us what the faithful know they receive, Benediction, the Eucharist, and whatever there is in Holy Sacraments: the communion of the very altar they receive with us, and are not of us. Temptation proves that they are not of us. When temptation comes to them as if blown by a wind they fly abroad; because they were not grain. But all of them will fly abroad, as we must often tell you, when once the fanning of the Lord's threshing-floor shall begin in the day of judgment. "They went out from us, but they were not of us; if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us." For would ye know, beloved, how most certain this saying is, that they who haply have gone out and return, are not antichrists, are not contrary to Christ? Whoso are not antichrists, it cannot be that they should continue without. But of his own will is each either an antichrist or in Christ. Either we are among the members, or among the bad humors. He that changeth himself for the better, is in the body, a member: but he that continues in his badness, is a bad humor; and when he is gone out, then they who were oppressed will be relieved.
For hear and see. Certainly all who go out from the Church, and are cut off from the unity of the Church, are antichrists; let no man doubt it: for the apostle himself hath marked them, "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." Therefore, whoso continue not with us, but go out from us, it is manifest that they are antichrists.
But let us not be made sad: "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." If then they went out from us, they are antichrists; if they are antichrists, they are liars; if they are liars, they deny that Jesus is the Christ. Once more we come back to the difficulty of the question. Ask them one by one; they confess that Jesus is the Christ. The difficulty that hampers us comes of our taking what is said in the Epistle in too narrow a sense. At any rate ye see the question; this question puts both us and them to a stand, if it be not understood. Either we are antichrists, or they are antichrists; they call us antichrists, and say that we went out from them; we say the like of them. But now this epistle has marked out the antichrists by this cognizance: "Whosoever denies that Jesus is the Christ," that same "is an antichrist." Now therefore let us enquire who denies; and let us mark not the tongue, but the deeds.
John says this because there were some people who had become teachers but had subsequently departed from the truth in order to follow the blasphemies of their own minds. But even if they were once among us, John adds, they were never really part of us, since if they had been, they would have stayed with us.
For if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. Therefore, it must be seen that many who are not of us receive the sacraments of Christ with us. But temptation proves that they are not of us, for when temptation comes to them, like the wind they fly away, because they were not the grain. However, they will all fly away when the Lord's threshing floor begins to be winnowed on the day of judgment. If some indeed go out by sinning but return through repentance, they are not Antichrists, but are proven to be in Christ, if the end of this present life finds them remaining in the Church.
"They went out from us, but they were not of us. It seemed to be mourned as a loss when we heard: 'They went out from us'; but soon consolation is added, when it is said: 'But they were not of us.' For it is evident that only Antichrists can go out from us, but those who are not opposed to Christ cannot in any way go out; for he who is not opposed to Christ, remains in His body. But there are those who are within the body of the Lord, while the body is still being healed, and perfect health will not be until the resurrection of the dead. They are in the body of Christ as evil humors; when they are vomited out, the body is relieved. So too the wicked, when they go out, the Church is relieved. 'They went out from us,' it says, but, 'do not be sad, they were not of us.' How do you prove it?
But so that it may be evident, because not all who are within us are of us. Therefore, by the permission of the Lord, some go out from the Church even before the final winnowing, showing that they were not members of the Church, nor did they belong to the body of Christ, so that it may be clearly manifest that not all who are placed inside with us and receive the sacraments of Christ are of us, but only those who do works worthy of those same sacraments in the unity of the Church of Christ."
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 it might be revealed that they were not all of us. But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things. I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and that no lie is of the truth.
"They went out from us." However, John adds this, having laid down or started nothing for the explanation of the speech: I say, as if John had asked himself: And where do these “antichrists” (1 Jn. 2:18) come from? Then he would have added, They went out from us. Since it ought to have been done this way, he does not do this, but rather in a confused manner, perhaps showing through the confusion of speech the distress John had concerning them. But why are those who went out from the Lord's disciples called antichrists? So that they could be regarded as trustworthy by those who were being led astray, as if they were from the disciples, and they made their preaching in accordance with the teacher's and instructor's opinion: nor did they have a completely contrary preaching. Therefore, it is said of them, "They went out from us." For when they became disciples, they departed from the truth and found their own blasphemy. It must be understood, however, from where these antichrists came, so that the statement may be clearer.
"but they were not of us." That is, concerning the sort of those who are saved: for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But now it has happened to them that they became revealed, that is, it became known to all that they were completely alienated from us, and joined to those who were not of us. For there are among them some who were never of us, to whom they have joined themselves, who have went out from us. Because of these things, John said, “not all are of us.” For among us, who were domestic and familiar, others followed those who were external to us: choosing rather to live self-indulgently in the manner of the pagans than moderately and honorably with us.
Having said this, lest it seem to him that he alone attributes knowledge of these things and thereby becomes arrogant against the faithful, as if he alone knew them, he adds: "But you have an anointing." As if to say: But why do I tell you these things as if you were ignorant? There is no ignorance of these matters among you. For you have received the sacred anointing through holy baptism, and through this, the divine Spirit, who leads you into all truth. (Jn. 16:19)
Since this is the case, you know that I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it. What are these? The last hour, the coming of the Antichrist (1 Jn. 2:18), that all things are full of lies. Therefore, because lies abound, he says: I also say that many antichrists have come. For if Christ is the truth, whom you also know, you have the truth in yourselves, certainly since the liar is contrary to the truth or Christ, he is an antichrist.
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Summary
First John 2:19 serves as a profound theological statement concerning the nature of true faith and the reality of apostasy within the early Christian community. John explains that those who departed from the fellowship, often identified as false teachers or antichrists, did so because they never genuinely belonged to the body of Christ. Their departure was not a loss to the church but rather a divinely orchestrated revelation, making manifest their true spiritual status and distinguishing genuine believers from mere associates.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is situated within a crucial section of John's first epistle where he addresses the rise of false teachers and "antichrists" (plural, denoting a spirit or type, not necessarily the singular figure of Revelation) who denied the full humanity and divinity of Jesus Christ 1 John 2:18. John has just reminded his readers of the "new commandment" to love one another 1 John 2:7-11 and affirmed their spiritual maturity and victory over the evil one 1 John 2:12-14. The warning against loving the world 1 John 2:15-17 immediately precedes the mention of antichrists, setting the stage for understanding that those who depart are aligned with the world's spirit rather than God's. Verse 19 directly explains the nature of these antichrists' departure, clarifying that their exit confirms their lack of true spiritual origin.
Historical & Cultural Context
The early church, particularly in Asia Minor where John likely ministered, faced significant internal and external pressures. Internally, nascent Gnostic or proto-Gnostic heresies were emerging, denying the incarnation of Christ (that Jesus came in the flesh) and promoting a dualistic worldview that often led to ethical antinomianism or asceticism. These false teachers often claimed a superior "knowledge" (gnosis) that set them apart. Their departure from the established Christian communities was a visible sign of their doctrinal divergence. Culturally, the concept of "belonging" was crucial in ancient societies, whether to a family, tribe, or religious community. John's emphasis on "not of us" would resonate powerfully, indicating a fundamental disassociation not just in practice but in identity and origin.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes in 1 John. Firstly, it underscores the theme of authenticity of faith, distinguishing between genuine believers and those who merely associate with the Christian community. Their departure revealed that they never truly belonged to the body of Christ in the first place, echoing Jesus' words about discerning false prophets by their fruits Matthew 7:16. Secondly, it highlights perseverance as proof of genuine faith. John implies that if these individuals had possessed true faith, they would have remained steadfast, aligning with the biblical principle that true disciples abide in Christ's word and continue in His fellowship John 8:31. Finally, the verse reveals a divine purpose in their departure: "that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us." God allowed their exit to expose their true nature, serving as a vital lesson in discernment for the remaining believers.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This verb signifies a physical departure but carries profound theological implications here, indicating a separation from the community and, more profoundly, from the spiritual essence of true believers. It suggests an issuing forth or a going abroad, revealing their true allegiance.
This primary preposition denotes origin, indicating "from" or "out of." In this context, "not of us" (οὐκ ἐξ ἡμῶν) emphasizes that their spiritual origin or nature was fundamentally different from that of genuine believers, despite their outward association. It speaks to a lack of shared spiritual life or divine parentage.
This verb means "to render apparent" or "to show oneself." Their departure served a divine purpose: to reveal or make clear their true spiritual status, demonstrating that they never truly belonged to the community of genuine believers. It highlights God's sovereign hand in exposing falsehood.
Verse Breakdown
"They went out from us"
This clause describes the physical act of separation. Individuals who had been part of the visible Christian community, perhaps even holding positions of influence, chose to leave. This departure was not a forced expulsion but a voluntary act, indicating a conscious break from the fellowship and its teachings.
"but they were not of us"
This is the crucial interpretative clause, explaining the reason for their departure. The preposition "of" (Greek: ek) denotes origin or source. John asserts that these individuals, despite their outward association, never shared the same spiritual origin or nature as genuine believers. They were never truly born of God or indwelt by the Holy Spirit, implying a fundamental difference in their spiritual DNA.
"for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us"
This is a counterfactual statement, reinforcing the previous assertion. John argues that genuine spiritual belonging is characterized by perseverance and steadfastness in the faith and in fellowship. If their spiritual origin had been truly "of us" (i.e., from God), their adherence to the community and its core truths would have been unwavering. Their failure to continue served as proof of their non-belonging.
"but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us"
This final clause reveals the divine purpose behind their departure. It was not a random or unfortunate event, but God's sovereign design to expose their true spiritual state. Their leaving served to clarify who genuinely belonged to the community of faith and who did not, providing discernment for the remaining believers and purifying the church. The phrase "not all of us" reinforces that these individuals were a distinct group, not representative of the entire body.
Literary Devices
John employs several effective literary devices in this verse. The primary device is Contrast, starkly setting "us" (genuine believers) against "them" (false teachers/antichrists). This contrast is not merely about physical presence but about fundamental spiritual origin and nature ("not of us"). The use of a Conditional Statement ("if they had been of us, they would...have continued") serves as a logical argument, demonstrating the irrefutable link between true belonging and perseverance. Furthermore, the verse uses Revelation or Manifestation as a key concept, highlighting that the departure of these individuals was not a tragedy but a purposeful unfolding of truth, making clear what was previously hidden. This act of "being made manifest" underscores God's active hand in purifying His church and revealing the true nature of those who oppose Him.
Theological and Thematic Connections
The theological implications of 1 John 2:19 are profound, speaking to the nature of salvation, the reality of apostasy, and the security of true believers. It teaches that genuine faith is not merely intellectual assent or outward association, but a transformative spiritual reality that results in perseverance. Those who depart from the faith were never truly part of it, meaning that genuine believers, once truly "of us," will endure to the end. This verse offers comfort and assurance to those who remain, affirming that their continued faith is a mark of their authentic spiritual birth. It also serves as a warning against superficial commitment and a call to discernment within the visible church.
Reflection and Application
First John 2:19 offers timeless wisdom for believers today, providing both a sober warning and profound assurance. In an age where spiritual affiliations can be fluid and doctrinal lines blurred, this verse reminds us that true faith is evidenced by enduring commitment to Christ and His truth. We should not be surprised or shaken when individuals or groups claiming to be Christian depart from sound doctrine or practice; their departure often serves to reveal their true spiritual state, just as John describes. For those who genuinely believe and endure, this verse offers immense assurance. Perseverance in faith, even through trials or the defection of others, is a powerful mark of true spiritual belonging and a testament to God's preserving grace. It calls us to cling to the foundational truths of the faith, particularly the person and work of Jesus Christ, as the unwavering standard by which all teachings and associations should be judged. Our focus must remain on the enduring truth of the Gospel, rather than being swayed by those who depart from it.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does this verse mean that true believers can never backslide or struggle in their faith?
No, this verse does not suggest that true believers will never struggle, doubt, or even temporarily stumble. The Greek word for "continued" (G3306, ménō) implies an abiding or remaining, which speaks to a settled state of being and a fundamental orientation of the heart, not an unbroken record of perfection. True believers may indeed experience seasons of spiritual dryness, temptation, or even temporary disobedience, as seen throughout Scripture (e.g., Peter's denial in Luke 22:54-62). However, John's point is about a fundamental, underlying spiritual identity. Those who were "not of us" lacked this essential spiritual bond, leading to a permanent departure from the faith's core tenets and fellowship, rather than a temporary lapse. Their going out revealed they never possessed the life that perseveres.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
First John 2:19, while speaking of those who departed, ultimately points to the faithfulness and preserving power of Jesus Christ. The "us" from whom these individuals departed is the community of those united to Christ. The very reason true believers "continue" is because of their union with Him, the Vine, from whom they draw life and sustenance John 15:4-5. Christ himself warned of those who would appear to be His followers but were not, likening them to weeds among the wheat Matthew 13:24-30. He promised that His "sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of My hand" John 10:27-28. The departure of the false teachers, therefore, serves to highlight the security of those truly in Christ. Their perseverance is not merely human effort but the result of Christ's indwelling Spirit Galatians 2:20 and His unwavering commitment to His elect [Philippians 1:6](/ philippians/1-6 "Philippians 1:6 - God Will Complete His Work"). Thus, this verse ultimately assures believers that their continued faith is a testimony to Christ's power to keep them, confirming their genuine, Christ-given spiritual identity.