FocusThe confession concerning Jesus Christ
Connection to the wholeThe readers are told to test spiritual claims, with confession concerning Jesus Christ come in the flesh central to the distinction.
interpretation 1 John 4:2
KJVHereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
Read it in context
Try the spirits
Start reading at 1 John 4:1 (1 John 4:1 to 1 John 4:6).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The readers are told to test spiritual claims, with confession concerning Jesus Christ come in the flesh central to the distinction.
- 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
- 4:2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
- 4:3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
- 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
- 4:5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.
- 4:6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.
Who
- Who wrote the book? John the apostle is the traditional author, associated with the eyewitness testimony and teaching also found in the Gospel of John. Biblical references: 1 John 1:1; 1 John 1:3. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, John, Epistles of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (1 John 3:1–5:21): The same community receives instruction about love, righteous conduct, testing spirits, faith in Jesus Christ, and prayer. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Believers in the name of the Son of God, addressed as children and beloved, facing false teaching and a separation within their community. No city is named. Biblical references: 1 John 2:19; 1 John 4:1; 1 John 5:13. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Try the spirits. Read 1 John 4:1 through 1 John 4:6 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The readers are told to test spiritual claims, with confession concerning Jesus Christ come in the flesh central to the distinction. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The writing addresses current claims, departures, and conduct among its readers without supplying a calendar date. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? No city of destination or composition is explicitly named. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Try the spirits (1 John 4:1 to 1 John 4:6). Start reading at 1 John 4:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The writing centers on Jesus Christ come in the flesh, His cleansing and advocacy, and abiding in Him. Love and obedience are presented as tests of claimed fellowship. See 1 John 1:7, 1 John 2:1, 1 John 2:3, 1 John 4:2. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Test claims of fellowship by truth, love, and obedience. Assurance should be read with the letter's calls to abide and its warnings about deception. interpretation
Cited: 1 John 4:1, 1 John 4:6, 1 John 1:7, 1 John 2:1, 1 John 2:3, 1 John 4:2
Who wrote it, and how we know
John the apostle
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe letter does not name its author, but claims eyewitness testimony of the Word of life.
1 John 1:1
Early traditionEarly testimony names John the apostle, and the style closely matches the Gospel of John.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text.
Related passages
- Every 1 John 5:1 John 16:13-15 1 Cor 12:3
- come 1 John 4:3 John 1:14 1 Tim 3:16
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
1 John 4
This letter does not name its writer or a geographical destination. It addresses a believing community as children, fathers, young men, and beloved, testing claims of fellowship through truth about Jesus, obedience, and love.
1 John 1:3 1 John 2:1 1 John 2:12 1 John 5:13
God's love and our love
1 John 4:7–21FocusLove received and made visible
Connection to the wholeGod's sending of His Son grounds the command to love one another and exposes the contradiction of claiming love for God while hating a brother.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
1 John
This letter does not name its writer or a geographical destination. It addresses a believing community as children, fathers, young men, and beloved, testing claims of fellowship through truth about Jesus, obedience, and love.
1 John 1:3 1 John 2:1 1 John 2:12 1 John 5:13
The witnessed life and fellowship
1 John 1:1–2:2FocusLight, confession, and the advocate
Connection to the wholeThe opening testimony leads to tests of walking in the light and to the provision for sin through Jesus Christ.
interpretation Knowing and abiding
1 John 2:3–29FocusObedience, love, and resisted deception
Connection to the wholeThe letter tests claims to know God, warns against the world and antichrists, and urges the readers to abide in what they heard.
interpretation FocusRighteousness, love, and tested spirits
Connection to the wholeThe community's identity is connected to conduct and love, while competing spiritual claims are tested by their confession concerning Jesus Christ.
interpretation Love, faith, and testimony
1 John 4:7–5:12FocusGod's love and life in His Son
Connection to the wholeThe argument connects God's initiating love with mutual love, obedient faith, and the testimony God has given concerning His Son.
interpretation Assurance and final instruction
1 John 5:13–21FocusPrayer, guarding, and the true God
Connection to the wholeThe closing purpose statement joins assurance with prayer and watchfulness, ending with the warning to keep from idols.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.