Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse together. It’s a really interesting and slightly complex passage from 1 John, which is part of the New Testament Bible. Here’s what it means in plain language: Think of it like this: Imagine two groups of people – one group is inside us, and the other group is outside us. This verse describes a situation where those outside are trying to get their own way. Here's a breakdown: “They went out from us…” - This means these “outsiders” started a relationship or association with us, but then they left. They weren’t part of our original group anymore. “…but they were not of us…” – This is the key point. These people weren't actually part of our family or community. They were separate from us. “For if they had been of us, they would [no doubt] have continued with us:” - This is where it gets a little tricky. It’s saying that if they had really been part of us, they would still be with us – they would stay connected and continue our relationship. “But [they went out], that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.” - This is the crucial part. It means their leaving was a purpose . It’s like a secret plan or an intention. Their departure wasn't random; it was designed to reveal something important. They were leaving to show themselves as different from us – to demonstrate that they weren’t just copies of us. In simpler terms, the verse is saying: "We were once connected to these people, but they chose to leave our group. This act of leaving was a way for God to reveal who we truly are – that we're not all of ourselves." What does this mean in a broader sense? It’s often interpreted as: True Faith vs. False Faith: It warns against being influenced by people who aren’t genuinely committed to following God's will. The Importance of Discernment: We need to be discerning and not blindly accept everything that comes our way – we must be able to see if someone is truly on the right path. God's Sovereignty: It highlights God’s control over things, as He chooses who to connect with and who to separate from. Do you want me to explain any of these points further? Or would you like a more detailed explanation of a specific part of the verse? For example, we could talk about: The context of this passage in the Bible What it means for believers to be “of” God