1 John 5:14
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 John 5:14
14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:
Chapter Context
1 John 5 is a theological epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of faith, redemption, 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 5:14
14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:
Analysis
And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us. This verse establishes the foundation for bold, assured prayer. "Confidence" (parrēsia) means boldness, freedom of speech, or fearless access—used for citizens' right to address governing authorities. Believers have parrēsia before God, not because of merit but because of Christ's mediation and our adoption as children.
The confidence is "in him" (pros auton)—toward God, in relationship with Him. Prayer isn't manipulating an impersonal force but approaching our Father who loves us. The conditional "if we ask any thing according to his will" (ean ti aitōmetha kata to thelēma autou) defines the scope of confident prayer. "Anything" (ti) is broad, but "according to his will" provides the boundary. This isn't limitation but liberation—it frees us from anxiety about whether our prayers "work" and directs us to seek God's will, not merely our desires.
"He heareth us" (akouei hēmōn) means more than auditory reception—it implies favorable response and attention to act. God doesn't merely hear; He hears with intent to answer according to His perfect will. This presumes we know God's will, which comes through Scripture, the Spirit's illumination, and alignment with God's revealed character. Prayers "according to his will" are necessarily answered because they align with what God has already purposed. This provides tremendous assurance while keeping us God-centered in prayer.
Historical Context
In the ancient world, approaching deity was often fraught with fear and uncertainty. Pagan worshipers offered sacrifices hoping to appease capricious gods but had no assurance of being heard. Mystery religions promised special access through initiation but maintained hierarchical systems. Even in Judaism, direct access to God's presence was mediated through priests, with the Holy of Holies entered only by the high priest once annually.
John's declaration that believers have confident access to God through Christ was revolutionary. Hebrews 4:16 similarly calls believers to "come boldly unto the throne of grace." Christ's death tore the temple veil (Matthew 27:51), symbolizing direct access to God for all believers. This doctrine of parrēsia democratized prayer—no priestly mediators needed beyond Christ Himself.
The phrase "according to his will" protected against both presumption and despair. Gnostics claimed special knowledge enabling them to control spiritual forces. John insists prayer aligns with God's sovereign will, not human manipulation. Meanwhile, some Jewish groups emphasized God's transcendence so much that prayer felt futile. John assures that God hears and responds when we pray according to His will—which is knowable through His revealed word.
Reflection
- How do we discern God's will in order to pray 'according to his will'?
- What's the difference between praying according to God's will and praying with resignation ('Thy will be done' as pessimistic surrender)?
- How does confidence in prayer relate to faith—can we have boldness while acknowledging God may answer differently than we expect?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: 1 John 2:28, Psalms 34:17, Jeremiah 33:3, Matthew 21:22, John 9:31, 14:13