1 John 4:1

Do not believe every spirit, beloved, but test the spirits to see whether they are of God; for many false prophets are gone out into the world.

Montgomery 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 you know the Spirit of God; every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is from God;

Read all of 1 John 4

Cross References

Matthew 24:4"Take care," Jesus answered, "that no one mislead you;

Mark 13:21"At that time if any one tell you, ‘See, here is Christ,’ or ‘See, there he is,’ do not believe it;

Luke 21:8"Take heed," he answered, "that you are not led astray, for many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he,’ and ‘The time is close at hand.’ Do not go and follow them.

Acts 20:29I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come among you, and they will not spare 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