1 John 4:1

Dear friends, do not trust every inspiration, but test each inspiration, to see whether it proceeds from God; because many false Prophets have gone out into the world.

Twentieth Century 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

2This is the way by which to know the inspiration of God — All inspiration that acknowledges Jesus Christ as come in our human nature is from God;

Read all of 1 John 4

Cross References

Matthew 24:4Jesus replied to them as follows: “See that no one leads you astray;

Mark 13:21“And at that time if any one should say to you ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ ‘Look, there he is!’, do not believe it;

Luke 21:8And Jesus said: “See that you are not led astray; for many will take my name, and come saying ‘I am He,’ and ‘The time is close at hand.’ Do not follow them.

Acts 20:29I know that, after my departure, merciless wolves will get in among you, who 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