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

Definition: Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this famous passage from John 2:19. It’s a really powerful statement that gets at some pretty big ideas about God’s plan and our relationship with Him. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, Jesus is telling the people at the temple to destroy it. Let’s unpack that a little further: “Destroy this temple” : This isn't just talking about a physical building. It’s referring to the temple of Jerusalem – a place of worship and significance for Jewish people for centuries. Jesus is saying, “This temple represents my relationship with you, and it needs to be destroyed.” “In three days I will raise it up” : This is the really interesting part! Jesus promises that after the temple is destroyed, he will rebuild it – much stronger than before. He says this will happen in just three days. What’s the big idea behind this? This verse is often interpreted as a symbolic representation of Jesus’s sacrifice and resurrection. Here's how: The Temple Was a Symbol: For Jewish people, the temple was a place where they prayed, offered sacrifices to God, and experienced a deep connection with him. It represented their faith and their relationship with God. Jesus as the High Priest: Jesus is being compared to the high priest who brought offerings to God. His sacrifice – his death on the cross – represents a complete offering of sin and guilt. The Resurrection as Building Up: The three-day rise of the temple symbolizes Jesus’s resurrection. It means he overcomes death, offers forgiveness, and restores our relationship with him! It's a message of hope and renewal. Jesus is saying that even though his sacrifice was painful and significant, it doesn't mean his work is finished. He will ultimately return to defeat evil and restore everything to its original glory – a perfect and eternal state. Important Note: This passage is complex and has been interpreted in many ways throughout history. It’s a key moment in the Bible that speaks about Jesus's role as Savior, Redeemer, and future King. --- Do you want me to explain any of these points further? For example, would you like me to: Explain the historical context of this verse? Discuss different interpretations of it? Connect it to other parts of the Bible?