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Context of 1 John 2:19:
“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 become plain that they all are not of us.”

The Greek preposition ἐκ (often translated as ‘from’ or ‘of’) in 1 John 2:19 carries significant implications, and its precise interpretation in this context is crucial for understanding John’s message.

1. Meaning of ἐκ and Its Usages

The preposition ἐκ primarily denotes origin or source:

“From” – indicates origin or source, such as rising from the dead or being born from a mother’s womb. “Of” – suggests belonging or association, as in, “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?”

2. Contextual Analysis of 1 John 2:19

The plain reading of the phrase “they went out from us” implies that these individuals were once genuinely part of the community, sharing in its spiritual life and beliefs. Their departure indicates a change in their status, suggesting that at some point during their association, they ceased to align with the community’s beliefs.

3. Supporting Scriptural Evidence:

Acts 15:24:

“Since we have heard that some have gone out from among us (τινὲς ἐξ ἡμῶν) with no orders from us and have confused you, upsetting your minds by what they said.”

Here, ἐκ implies that these individuals are currently part of the group at that time but chose to act independently, causing confusion among the Gentile believers.

Acts 20:30:

Paul warns that even among the current elders (ἐξ ὑμῶν αὐτῶν), some will arise, teaching perversions of the truth to draw the disciples away.

These individuals are currently part of the church leadership but may later deviate and lead others astray

4. Parables that Illustrate This Concept: Further support for this interpretation comes from Jesus’ teachings:

Wheat and Chaff (Matthew 3:12):

The chaff comes from the same stalk as the wheat. They were initially part of the same plant but eventually turned into chaff of no substance.

Vine and Branches (John 15:2, 6):

The branches were fully grafted into the true vine (Jesus) by the farmer, Father, God. However, some branches failed to bear fruit and were thus cut off. The Greek term μή φέρον καρπὸν (“not bearing fruit”) suggests a willful cease to produce fruit, indicating a change in commitment.

5. Genealogies in Matthew:

These genealogies underscore the importance of being grafted into a lineage but emphasize that inclusion is not permanent without continued faithfulness.

6. The Parable of Wheat and Tares: A Different Source:

In contrast, however, the parable of the Wheat and Tares (Matthew 13:24-30) shows that Jesus distinguishes the source of the wheat and the tares. Unlike the chaff or unfruitful branches, the tares were never part of the same stalk as the wheat but were sown separately by an enemy. This demonstrates that their origin was fundamentally different—they were never part of the wheat from the beginning.

7: In the Context of the 1 John Epistle

John addresses this epistle to believers who abide in the faith and walk in the light, affectionately calling them “my little children” and “beloved.” Throughout the letter, John exhorts his readers to continue abiding in the light and keeping God’s commandments, particularly the commandment to love God and one another (1 John 2:7-10).

However, John also issues a strong warning against deceptive teachings (1 John 2:26), urging believers not to be misled. He emphasizes the need to “test the spirits” to discern whether they are from God or from the antichrist (1 John 4:1). In the context of the epistle, John’s concern is that those who do not continue abiding in the light—those who fail to confess their sins (1 John 1:9), neglect to practice the commandment of love (1 John 4:20-21), or grow more attached to the things of the world (1 John 2:15-17)—are at risk of eventually departing ἐκ (from) the fellowship with the community.

John’s use of ἐκ in 1 John 2:19 reflects this overarching theme: if believers do not persist in abiding in the light, walking in love, and rejecting the allure of the world, they may ultimately separate themselves from the community. Their departure signifies not an immediate rejection, but rather a gradual loss of alignment with the shared faith and values of the Christian fellowship, leading to a final departure.

Conclusion

In 1 John 2:19, John is not describing individuals who were like the tares (never part of the community to begin with), but rather those who, like the unfruitful branches or chaff, were once part of the community but cease to remain committed.

This understanding challenges the traditional interpretation that these individuals were “never truly part of them.” The syntactical and contextual reading suggests instead that they were once genuinely part of the community but, through a change of heart, ceased to remain faithful. Their departure is evidence that they are no longer aligned with the community’s beliefs.

Sola Scriptura!