1 John 4:1

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

1902 William Baxter Godbey 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

2In this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit which confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God:

Read all of 1 John 4

Cross References

Matthew 24:4And Jesus responding said to them, See, lest any one may deceive you.

Mark 13:21And if then one may say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, Lo, there; believe not.

Luke 21:8And He said, See that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, saying, I am He; and The time is at hand: go ye not after them.

Acts 20:29I know, that after my departure grievous wolves will rise up against 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