Every spirit; every pretended spiritual influence by which men may claim to be influenced.--Try the spirits; examine them by the tests given above, that is, by their obedience and brotherly love, and also by those mentioned below.
The idea intended is, that by this may we know that our love to God is true and sincere, and such as will be our security in the day of judgment, namely, by seeing that our conduct and character here correspond with the image of God.
Bibliographical Information Abbott, John S. C. & Abbott, Jacob. "Commentary on 1 John 4". "Abbott's Illustrated New Testament". https://studylight.org/commentaries/eng/ain/1-john-4.html. 1878.
Verse 1
Verse 1
Every spirit; every pretended spiritual influence by which men may claim to be influenced.--Try the spirits; examine them by the tests given above, that is, by their obedience and brotherly love, and also by those mentioned below.
Verse 2
Verse 2
Is of God; is true; teaches the truth.
Verse 4
Verse 4
Have overcome them; have successfully resisted them,--that is, the false spirits.
Verse 7
Verse 7
Is born of God; is formed anew by the power of God, and become his child.
Verse 17
Verse 17
The idea intended is, that by this may we know that our love to God is true and sincere, and such as will be our security in the day of judgment, namely, by seeing that our conduct and character here correspond with the image of God.
Verse 18
Verse 18
Perfect love; established and genuine love.
Verse 20
Verse 20
Hateth, does not love.