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.
All Commentaries on 1 John 2:19 Go To 1 John 2
George Leo Haydock
AD 1849
They were not of us, true and profitable members; though it can scarce be doubted but that some of them, at least for some time, truly believed: and by their going off, God was pleased to make it manifest that they were not of his faithful members. Such were Simon Magus, Cerinthus, Ebion, Nicolas of Antioch (Witham)
They That is, they were not solid, steadfast, genuine Christians, otherwise they would have remained in the Church. (Challoner)
The true note or mark of heresy, is the going out of or leaving the Catholic Church. God permitteth some to go out, that the true and tried faithful may be known.
