1 John 4:1

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see if they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

Text-Critical English NT

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 confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God,

Read all of 1 John 4

Cross References

Matthew 24:4Jesus answered them, “Make sure no one leads you astray.

Mark 13:21If anyone says to you at that time, ‘Behold, here is the Christ!’ or, ‘Behold, there he is!’ do not believe him.

Luke 21:8He said, “Make sure you are not led astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time has drawn near.’ Do not go after them.

Acts 20:29For I know that after my departure fierce wolves will enter 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