1 John 4:6
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 John 4:6
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.
Chapter Context
1 John 4 is a theological epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of fellowship, obedience, love. Written during the late first century CE (c. 85-95 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Early Gnostic ideas threatened the understanding of Christ's incarnation and redemption.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-21: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 John and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 John 4:6
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.
Analysis
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. John contrasts the apostolic message with false teaching. "We are of God" (hēmeis ek tou theou esmen)—the apostles belong to God, commissioned by Christ, inspired by the Spirit. Their teaching originates from God, not human wisdom or worldly philosophy. This apostolic authority grounds their message's reliability.
"He that knoweth God heareth us" (ho ginōskōn ton theon akouei hēmōn)—genuine knowledge of God produces recognition of and submission to apostolic teaching. Those born of God and taught by the Spirit recognize apostolic truth as God's word. Conversely, "he that is not of God heareth not us" (hos ouk estin ek tou theou ouk akouei hēmōn)—those who don't belong to God reject apostolic teaching. Rejection of Scripture's authority indicates spiritual deadness, not intellectual sophistication.
"Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error" (ek toutou ginōskomen to pneuma tēs alētheias kai to pneuma tēs planēs). The test is clear: alignment with apostolic teaching indicates the spirit of truth; departure from it reveals the spirit of error. This provides objective criteria for discernment—measure all teaching by Scripture (the apostolic deposit). Private revelations, personal feelings, or cultural preferences must submit to biblical authority. The spirit of truth produces teaching consistent with the apostles' word; the spirit of error contradicts it.
Historical Context
The apostles claimed divine authority for their teaching, not human opinion. Jesus promised the Spirit would guide them into all truth (John 16:13). Paul distinguished his gospel as received by revelation from Christ (Galatians 1:11-12). The early church recognized apostolic teaching as authoritative Scripture alongside the Old Testament (2 Peter 3:15-16).
This apostolic authority undergirds Protestant sola Scriptura—Scripture alone is the final authority. The Roman Catholic addition of tradition as equal authority and charismatic claims of new revelation both challenged apostolic finality. John's test remains valid—teaching aligned with apostolic doctrine (Scripture) manifests the spirit of truth; teaching contradicting Scripture manifests the spirit of error. Reception of apostolic teaching indicates regeneration; rejection indicates spiritual deadness.
Reflection
- How do you determine whether teaching aligns with apostolic doctrine as preserved in Scripture?
- What does your reception or rejection of difficult biblical teaching reveal about your spiritual state?
- How should the principle that those who know God hear apostolic teaching affect your approach to biblical interpretation and authority?
Word Studies
- Truth: ἀλήθεια (Aletheia) G225 - Truth, reality
Cross-References
- References God: 1 John 4:4
- Spirit: 1 John 4:1, Isaiah 29:10, Micah 3:8, John 14:17, 15:26, 1 Corinthians 14:37
- Truth: John 18:37
- Parallel theme: Isaiah 8:20, John 10:27