If you were of the world, it would love you as its own. Instead, the world hates you, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.
19. If you were of the world. This is another consolation, that the reason why they are hated by the world is, that they have been separated from it. Now, this is their true happiness and glory, for in this manner they have been rescued from destruction. But I have chosen you out of the world.
Verse 19. If ye were of the world. If you were actuated by the principles of the world. If, like them, you were vain, earthly, sensual, given to pleasure, wealth, ambition, they would not oppose you. Because ye are not of the world. Because you are influenced by different principles from men of the world.
Hatred marks the devil's kingdom as love marks Christ's. The world, those devoted to this world and its god, whether Jew or Gentile, forms one body against Him. But mark the difference: God's people, taught to hate the sins of sinners, still love their persons and do them good. A spiteful, malicious spirit belongs to the world, not to Christ.
AI summary
Commenting on John 15:18-25