1 John 4:1

Dear ones, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

Family 35 New Testament

In The King James Version

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

In Context

2By this the Spirit of God is known: every spirit that acknowledges Jesus Christ as having come in flesh is of God,

Read all of 1 John 4

Cross References

Matthew 24:4So in answer Jesus said to them: “Watch out, so that no one deceives you.

Mark 13:21“Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ ‘Look, there!’ do not believe it;

Luke 21:8So He said: “Be careful, so as not to be deceived, because many will come in my name saying: ‘I am’ and ‘The time is at hand.’ Therefore do not go after them.

Acts 20:29Because I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock.

Matthew Henry on 1 John 4:1

In this chapter the apostle exhorts to try spirits ( ver. 1 ), gives a note to try by ( ver. 2, 3 ), shows who are of the world and who of God ( ver. 4-6 ), urges Christian love by divers considerations ( ver. 7-16 ), describes our love to God, and the effect of it, ver. 17-21 . Read the whole commentary →

This Verse In Other Editions

Study 1 John 4:1