Definition: For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important passage from 1 Corinthians 11:19. It's a really serious warning about the dangers of division and false teachings within a community. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: Just like any group of people, a church or community needs to be healthy and strong. If there’s a lot of disagreement, arguments, and things that aren't true, it can become dangerous and disruptive. Let’s unpack the parts: “For there must be also heresies among you…” This isn't about just minor disagreements. "Heresy" means something that is fundamentally false or contradicts core beliefs of the faith. It’s a belief that goes against what we believe to be true, and it can cause real harm. “…that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.” This is a really powerful way of saying "these kinds of things – these false teachings – will become obvious." “Approved” means something that's considered good or correct by the Church. The word “made manifest” means to reveal, to show up, or to become visible. So, what’s happening? Paul is saying that if people within a church start arguing and disagreeing with each other in ways that aren't based on truth and understanding of God's Word, those disagreements can spread and become harmful. It creates a situation where these false beliefs can influence others and lead to distrust or even conflict. Why is this important? This verse reminds us that we need to: Stay united: We must work together to uphold the truth of our faith. Be careful what we believe: We should only accept teachings from trusted sources – the Bible, the Church, and wise teachers. Protect the integrity of the church: It’s important that the community remains focused on God's word and doesn’t get sidetracked by disagreements that could weaken our faith. In short, it’s a call to vigilance and maintaining a healthy, trustworthy environment within the Church. --- Do you want me to explain any of this further? For example, would you like me to: Give an analogy to help illustrate the concept? Discuss what kind of "heresy" might be considered in the context of the Bible?