From Newsgroup: alt.bible

rCLJohn answered, rCLMaster, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not follow with us.rCY But Jesus said to him, rCLDo not stop him, for the one who is not against you is for you.rCYrCY (Luke 9:49rCo50, ESV)

rCLThey 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.rCY (1 John 2:19, ESV)

Question: In Luke 9:49-50, Jesus rebuked the disciples for hindering
someone from who ministered in Christ's name, but who "does not follow
with us". John says those who do not continue "with us" show they are an antichrist. How do we resolve this apparent tension?

Answer: While both passages speak of being "with us," they address two entirely different situations: apostolic sectarianism versus spiritual apostasy.

1. The Context of Luke 9:49rCo50: Sectarianism vs. Kingdom Unity

In Luke 9, the man casting out demons was genuinely ministering in the authority and name of Jesus. The text confirms he was successful; he was actively "casting out demons," which requires authentic faith in Christ
(as demonstrated by contrast in Acts 19:13rCo16, where false exorcists failed).

The issue was not the manrCOs doctrine or his relationship with Jesus, but
the disciples' exclusive mindset. John complained, "he does not follow
with us." The disciples conflated membership in their immediate circle
(the Twelve) with allegiance to Christ. Jesus rebuked this tribalism, establishing that genuine kingdom work done in His name is valid, even
if the person operates outside a specific human fellowship or
organization. The man was "for" Christ spiritually, even though he was
not "with" the Twelve physically.

2. The Context of 1 John 2:19: Apostasy vs. Faithfulness

In 1 John 2, John addresses false teachersrCoantichristsrCowho had actively abandoned the apostolic church and denied fundamental truths regarding
the person and work of Jesus Christ (1 John 2:22).

Here, "they were not of us" does not refer to external organizational
boundary lines, but to essential spiritual life and orthodox truth.
Their departure was a doctrinal and spiritual separation from the body
of Christ. They left the apostolic faith to propagate heresy. Their
departure proved they never possessed genuine saving faith or union with
the true church.

Summary of Resolution

- Luke 9:49rCo50 addresses a genuine believer who is outside the
disciples' immediate group. He was faithful to Christ, though separated
from the Twelve. Jesus prohibits rejecting a brother over secondary, structural, or organizational boundaries.

- 1 John 2:19 addresses apostates who departed from foundational truth
and true believers. They separated themselves spiritually and
doctrinally from the truth of the gospel.

Luke 9 warns against rejecting genuine brothers due to sectarian pride.
1 John 2 exposes those who reveal their unregenerate state by abandoning Christ's doctrine and His body.
--
Good News rCa

By dying on the cross, Christ canceled the legal debt of our sins
against God (Colossians 2:14), and God validated this victory by raising
Him from the grave (Romans 1:4). God is now able to justly declare
sinners righteous (Romans 3:26) and spare them from His future wrath (1 Thessalonians 1:10). This grace is freely given to all who place their
trust in Him (Romans 6:23). Put your faith in the Lord and call on His
name to be saved (Romans 10:9-13):

How to be saved: christrose.news/salvation
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