TRV
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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 1 John 4:1–3. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
The apostle, having said that God's dwelling in and with us may be known by the Spirit that he hath given us, intimates that that Spirit may be discerned and distinguished from other spirits that appear in the world; and so here,
I.He calls the disciples, to whom he writes, to caution and scrutiny about the spirits and spiritual professors that had now risen.
1.To caution: "Beloved, believe not every spirit; regard not, trust not, follow not, every pretender to the Spirit of God, or every professor of vision, or inspiration, or revelation from God." Truth is the foundation of simulation and counterfeits; there had been real communications from the divine Spirit, and therefore others pretended thereto. God will take the way of his own wisdom and goodness, though it may be liable to abuse; he has sent inspired teachers to the world, and given us a supernatural revelation, though others may be so evil and so impudent as to pretend the same; every pretender to the divine Spirit, or to inspiration, and extraordinary illumination thereby, is not to be believed. Time was when the spiritual man (the man of the Spirit, who made a great noise about, and boast of, the Spirit) was mad, Hos 9:7.
2.To scrutiny, to examination of the claims that are laid to the Spirit: But try the spirits, whether they be of God, Jo1 4:1. God has given of his Spirit in these latter ages of the world, but not to all who profess to come furnished therewith; to the disciples is allowed a judgment of discretion, in reference to the spirits that would be believed and trusted in the affairs of religion. A reason is given for this trial: Because many false prophets have gone out into the world, Jo1 4:1. There being much about the time of our Saviour's appearance in the world a general expectation among the Jews of a Redeemer to Israel, and the humiliation, spiritual reformation, and sufferings of the Saviour being taken as a prejudice against him, others were induced to set up as prophets and messiahs to Israel, according to the Saviour's prediction, Mat 24:23, Mat 24:24. It should not seem strange to us that false teachers set themselves up in the church: it was so in the apostles' times; fatal is the spirit of delusion, sad that men should vaunt themselves for prophets and inspired preachers that are by no means so!
II.He gives a test whereby the disciples may try these pretending spirits.
These spirits set up for prophets, doctors, or dictators in religion, and so they were to be tried by their doctrine; and the test whereby in that day, or in that part of the world where the apostle now resided (for in various seasons, and in various churches, tests were different), must be this: Hereby know you the Spirit of God, Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh (or that confesseth Jesus Christ that came in the flesh), is of God, Jo1 4:2. Jesus Christ is to be confessed as the Son of God, the eternal life and Word, that was with the Father from the beginning; as the Son of God that came into, and came in, our human mortal nature, and therein suffered and died at Jerusalem. He who confesses and preaches this, by a mind supernaturally instructed and enlightened therein, does it by the Spirit of God, or God is the author of that illumination. On the contrary, "Every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh (or Jesus Christ that came in the flesh) is not of God, Jo1 4:3. God has given so much testimony to Jesus Christ, who was lately here in the world, and in the flesh (or in a fleshly body like ours), though now in heaven, that you may be assured that any impulse or pretended inspiration that contradicts this is far from being from heaven and of God." The sum of revealed religion is comprehended in the doctrine concerning Christ, his person and office. We see then the aggravation of a systematic opposition to him and it. And this is that spirit of antichrist whereof you have heard that it should come, and even now already is it in the world, Jo1 4:3. It was foreknown by God that antichrists would arise, and antichristian spirits oppose his Spirit and his truth; it was foreknown also that one eminent antichrist would arise, and make a long and fatal war against the Christ of God, and his institution, and honour, and kingdom in the world. This great antichrist would have his way prepared, and his rise facilitated, by other less antichrists, and the spirit of error working and disposing men's minds for him: the antichristian spirit began betimes, even in the apostles' days. Dreadful and unsearchable is the judgment of God, that persons should be given over to an antichristian spirit, and to such darkness and delusion as to set themselves against the Son of God and all the testimony that the Father hath given to the Son! But we have been forewarned that such opposition would arise; we should therefore cease to be offended, and the more we see the word of Christ fulfilled the more confirmed we should be in the truth of it.
Historical interpretation
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Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God; and every spirit which separates Jesus Christ is not of God, but is of antichrist."
Well, but who is the man of sin, the son of perdition," who must first be revealed before the Lord comes; "who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; who is to sit in the temple of God, and boast himself as being God? " According indeed to our view, he is Antichrist; as it is taught us in both the ancient and the new prophecies, and especially by the Apostle John, who says that "already many false prophets are gone out into the world," the fore-runners of Antichrist, who deny that Christ is come in the flesh, and do not acknowledge Jesus (to be the Christ), meaning in God the Creator.
Believe not every spirit, because many false prophets are gone out into the world."
Just as in ancient Israel there were some prophets who spoke the word of God and others who did not, so also, as soon as the apostles appeared, speaking in Christ and having the Holy Spirit whom the Lord had given to them, many false apostles were sent by the devil to counterfeit the teaching of the gospel. It is essential to have that gift of the Holy Spirit which is called the discernment of spirits in order to have the ability to test the spirits, to see which ones are to be believed and which ones are to be rejected.
The Holy Spirit is spoken of in the Gospel by the name of water; where the Lord "cried and said, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." But the evangelist has expounded of what He said this: for he goes on to say, "But this spake He of the Spirit, which they that believed on Him should receive." Wherefore did not the Lord baptize many? But what saith he? "For the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified." Then seeing those had baptism, and had not yet received the Holy Ghost, whom on the day of Pentecost the Lord sent from heaven, the glorifying of the Lord was first waited for, so that the Spirit might be given.
The water of the sacrament is one thing: another, the water which betokens the Spirit of God. The water of the sacrament is visible: the water of the Spirit invisible. That washes the body, and betokens that which is done in the soul. By this Spirit the soul itself is cleansed and fed. This is the Spirit of God, which heretics and all that cut themselves off from the Church, cannot have. And whosoever do not openly cut themselves off, but by iniquity are cut off, and being within, whirl about as chaff and are not grain; these have not this Spirit.
"Beloved, believe not every spirit." Because he had said, "In this we know that He abideth in us, by the Spirit which He hath given us." But how this same Spirit is known, mark this: "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but prove the spirits whether they be from God." And who is he that proves the spirits? A hard matter has he put to us, my brethren! It is well for us that he should tell us himself how we are to discern them. He is about to tell us: fear not.
This Spirit is denoted by the Lord under the name of water: and we have heard from this epistle, "Believe not every spirit;" and those words of Solomon bear witness, "From strange water keep thee far." What meaneth, "water"? Spirit. Does water always signify spirit? Not always: but in some places it signifies the Spirit, in some places it signifies baptism, in some places signifies peoples, in some places signifies counsel: thus thou findest it said in a certain place, "Counsel is a fountain of life to them that possess it." So then, in divers places of the Scriptures, the term "water" signifies divers things.
First we must scrutinize thoroughly anything that appears in our hearts, as well as anything that is said to us. Has it come purified by the divine and heavenly fire of the Holy Spirit? Or does it lean toward Jewish superstition? Is its surface piety something which has come down from bloated worldly philosophy? We must examine all this most carefully, doing as the apostle bids us.
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God; for many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God; and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the Antichrist, of which you heard that it is coming, and now it is already in the world.
After John has completed his discourse on love for one's neighbor, and has demonstrated that this is a sign of the permanence of the Spirit we have received, he now adds a judgment concerning those who are truly brothers and neighbors, so that having this, we do not fall into the occasion of the commandment of love concerning false brothers, false apostles, and false prophets, bringing great harm upon ourselves from this.
Indeed, by embracing them as if they were of similar character, we will first harm ourselves while we communicate with those who are faithless, and we present holy things to dogs (Matt. 7:6): then, to those who associate with us, our love towards them will persuade many to take them as teachers and to believe what is said by them, while not observing, as if they were stealthily drawn away because of their conduct with us, and what is the indication of these, this is what follows:
"every spirit that confesses." Every spirit, whether of prophecy or the dignity of apostleship, that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh, is from God: but whatever does not confess this is not from God, but this dignity is of the Antichrist, of which you have heard.
When? From these words which he said a little earlier, that many antichrists are in the world, (1 Jn. 2:18) that is, forerunners of the Antichrist. Furthermore, he says that the confession of the Lord's coming is not made by the tongue, but by works. How? As blessed Paul says: "Always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be made evident in our body." (2 Cor. 4:10) Therefore, whoever has Jesus working in him, and is dead to the world, no longer lives to the world but to Christ, and carries Him not only in the flesh of Christ, but also in his own, he is from God. But whoever lives not for Christ, but for the world, that is, for the pleasures of the world, such a person is not from God. Therefore, Paul says, "When there are contentions and factions among you, are you not carnal and walking according to man?" (1 Cor. 3:3) He who walks according to the flesh does not have the spirit of Christ (Rom. 8:9); that is, he who does not live according to Christ, in such a way that he has died to the world, this one is not of Christ.
"and now it is already in the world." In the world, John says, the Antichrist is already present, not physically, but because of the presence of those who prepare the way for him, namely, false prophets, false apostles, and heretics. This Antichrist, however, will be a man who conveys Satan, exalted against all that is called God or divinity. (2 Thess. 2:4)
Therefore, he will also reject the worship of idols, which he signified as gods: moreover, by adding this: Every divine being also signifies Christianity: and he will only attempt to show himself as God.
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Summary
The apostle John opens his first epistle with a profound pastoral warning, urging believers to exercise critical spiritual discernment in a world permeated by deceptive teachings. This verse serves as a foundational call to vigilance, reminding the Christian community that not all claims of divine inspiration are genuine, and that a multitude of false prophets have emerged, actively disseminating error and undermining the truth of the gospel. It lays the groundwork for the crucial tests of genuine faith and divine origin that John will expound upon in the subsequent verses.
Context
Literary Context
1 John 4:1 marks a significant transition in John's epistle, moving from a discussion of love and obedience in 1 John 3 to an explicit warning against false teachers. Having established the characteristics of true children of God (righteousness, love, obedience), John now addresses the external threats to the community's faith. The immediate context of this verse is John's ongoing polemic against a nascent Gnostic or Docetic heresy that denied the true humanity and incarnation of Jesus Christ. This specific warning against "every spirit" and "false prophets" directly precedes John's primary theological test for discerning spirits: whether they confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh. Thus, 1 John 4:1 sets the stage for the theological litmus test presented in 1 John 4:2-3, providing the rationale for why such a test is necessary.
Historical & Cultural Context
Written likely in the late first century, John's first epistle addresses a Christian community facing internal doctrinal challenges. The early church, still in its formative years, lacked a fully canonized New Testament, making it particularly vulnerable to various interpretations and outright heresies. False teachers, often charismatic and persuasive, were emerging, claiming divine inspiration or special knowledge (a hallmark of early Gnosticism). These individuals, whom John elsewhere calls "antichrists" (1 John 2:18), were actively seeking to lead believers astray by denying fundamental truths about Christ's person and work. The cultural landscape was diverse, with various philosophical and religious currents, making it easy for syncretistic ideas to infiltrate nascent Christian communities. John's warning was therefore not merely theoretical but a practical, urgent directive for believers to guard against specific, identifiable threats to their spiritual well-being and the purity of the gospel message.
Key Themes
The central theme of 1 John 4:1 is Spiritual Discernment. John commands believers to "try the spirits," emphasizing the critical need for believers to evaluate the source and content of spiritual claims rather than accepting them uncritically. This theme is foundational for maintaining doctrinal purity and spiritual health within the community. Closely related is the theme of the Reality and Danger of False Prophets. John explicitly states that "many false prophets are gone out into the world," underscoring the pervasive nature of deception and the active threat posed by those who masquerade as divine messengers but propagate error. This echoes warnings given by Jesus Himself in Matthew 7:15, where He cautioned His disciples to "beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." Finally, the verse speaks to the theme of Protection from Deception, serving as a pastoral safeguard. By equipping believers with the imperative to test, John empowers them to protect themselves and the church from destructive doctrines and influences that would undermine the truth of the Gospel and the community's unity in Christ.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
Meaning "to test (literally or figuratively); by implication, to approve." This imperative verb signifies a rigorous process of examination, proving, or discerning. It's not a superficial glance but a thorough evaluation, akin to assaying metal to determine its purity and authenticity. The command implies an active, intentional effort on the part of the believer to ascertain the true nature of a spiritual claim or teacher.
Meaning "a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e. (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit." In this context, "spirit" refers to the animating influence, source, or origin behind a teaching, prophecy, or individual. It can denote a human spirit, a demonic spirit, or the Holy Spirit. John's command is to test the source of the spiritual message.
Meaning "a spurious prophet, i.e. pretended foreteller or religious impostor." This compound word clearly identifies individuals who claim to speak for God or possess divine insight but are in fact deceivers. They are not merely mistaken but are actively propagating falsehoods, often with malicious intent or for self-gain, leading people away from divine truth.
Verse Breakdown
"Beloved, believe not every spirit,"
John begins with an affectionate address, "Beloved" (G27, agapētós'), underscoring the pastoral care and concern behind his urgent warning. The command "believe not every spirit" is a strong negative imperative, instructing the recipients to withhold immediate credulity from all spiritual claims. This highlights the inherent danger of uncritical acceptance and the prevalence of deceptive spiritual influences in the world.
"but try the spirits whether they are of God:"
This clause presents the positive command that balances the preceding negative. The conjunction "but" (G235, allá') introduces a crucial counter-action. Believers are not to be cynical, but discerning. The imperative "try" (G1381, dokimázō') calls for active, rigorous examination and testing. The purpose of this testing is to determine the origin of the spirit or teaching: "whether they are of God" (G1537, ek' G2316, theós'), implying that some spirits are not of God and therefore originate from a deceptive source.
"because many false prophets are gone out into the world."
This final clause provides the compelling rationale for the preceding command. The word "because" (G3754, hóti') introduces the justification. The reality of "many" (G4183, polýs') "false prophets" (G5578, pseudoprophḗtēs') who "are gone out" (G1831, exérchomai' - indicating active dissemination) "into the world" (G1519, eis' G2889, kósmos') underscores the pervasive and active threat. The "world" here (G2889, kósmos') refers to the fallen human system alienated from God, which is fertile ground for such deception. This statement emphasizes the urgency and necessity of spiritual discernment.
Literary Devices
John employs several effective literary devices in 1 John 4:1 to convey his urgent message. The most prominent is the Imperative Mood ("believe not," "try"), which conveys a direct command and underscores the non-negotiable nature of spiritual discernment. This is not a suggestion but a necessary action for believers. There is a clear Contrast established between "every spirit" and "the spirits whether they are of God," highlighting the binary nature of spiritual origins – either from God or not. The use of "spirit" (G4151, pneûma') functions as a Metonymy, standing for the animating influence, teaching, or source behind a person's claims. It's a shorthand for the spiritual essence or origin of a message. Finally, the verse serves as a direct Warning, alerting the audience to a present and active danger ("many false prophets are gone out into the world"), thereby motivating them to heed the command to test and discern.
Theological and Thematic Connections
1 John 4:1 is a foundational text for Christian discernment, emphasizing that spiritual truth is not self-evident and requires careful evaluation. Theologically, it affirms the reality of spiritual warfare and the active presence of deceptive forces in the world, distinct from God's Spirit. It underscores the importance of objective truth as revealed by God, against which all spiritual claims must be measured. The command to "try the spirits" implies that believers are equipped by God with the capacity for discernment, often through the Holy Spirit's guidance and the authoritative Word of God. This verse also highlights the pastoral responsibility of leaders and the collective responsibility of the church to guard against doctrinal error, which can lead to spiritual harm and division.
Reflection and Application
In an age saturated with information and diverse spiritual claims, the timeless command to "try the spirits" is more critical than ever. Believers are called to cultivate a posture of thoughtful evaluation, rather than naive acceptance or cynical rejection, towards all teachings and spiritual phenomena. This involves a commitment to rigorous biblical literacy, allowing the unchanging truth of Scripture to serve as the ultimate plumb line for discerning truth from error. It also necessitates a humble reliance on the Holy Spirit, who guides believers into all truth and illuminates the Word. Practically, this means asking discerning questions: Does a teaching align with the character of God revealed in Christ? Does it promote love, righteousness, and unity, or division, self-promotion, and ungodliness? Does it elevate Christ or diminish Him? By actively engaging in this process of discernment, believers not only protect themselves from deception but also contribute to the health and purity of the wider church, ensuring that the message proclaimed is indeed from God.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "try the spirits" mean in a practical sense for believers today?
To "try the spirits" (G1381, dokimázō') means to rigorously test, examine, and evaluate the source and content of any spiritual claim, teaching, or prophetic utterance. Practically, this involves comparing what is said or taught against the authoritative standard of God's Word, the Bible. It also means observing the "fruit" of a teacher's life and ministry, as Jesus taught in Matthew 7:15-20. Furthermore, it requires humble reliance on the Holy Spirit, who indwells believers and guides them into all truth (John 16:13). It's an active, ongoing process of discernment, not a passive acceptance.
Why is it so important to discern spirits, and what are the dangers of not doing so?
It is crucial to discern spirits because, as 1 John 4:1 states, "many false prophets are gone out into the world." The dangers of not discerning are severe: believers can be led astray into destructive heresies (2 Peter 2:1), their faith can be undermined, their spiritual growth stunted, and they can fall prey to practices that are not pleasing to God. Undiscerning acceptance of false teaching can also lead to division within the church, moral compromise, and a distorted understanding of God's character and plan. The purity of the gospel message and the spiritual health of individuals and communities depend on vigilant discernment.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The imperative to "try the spirits" in 1 John 4:1 finds its ultimate fulfillment and clearest test in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The very reason John issues this warning is because false prophets were denying the true incarnation of the Son of God. The subsequent verses in 1 John 4:2-3 reveal the primary test: "Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God." This highlights that Christ Himself is the touchstone of all truth. Any spirit or teaching that diminishes His full humanity and deity, His atoning sacrifice, or His resurrection, is not from God. Jesus warned His disciples about false christs and false prophets (Matthew 24:24), and His own life and teachings provide the perfect standard against which all other claims must be measured. The Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth whom Christ promised to send (John 14:26), enables believers to discern truth from error, always pointing back to Christ and His finished work on the cross (John 15:26). Thus, the discernment commanded in 1 John 4:1 is fundamentally Christ-centered, safeguarding the church's confession of Him as Lord and Savior.