Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - 1 John 4:1-21
1 John 4:1 We are all discerners of spirits. That diagnosis lies aloft in our life or unconscious power. The intercourse of society its trade, its religion, its friendships, its quarrels is one wide, judicial investigation of character. Emerson, on The Over-Soul. 1 John 4:1 A poor man, in our day, has many gods foisted on him; and big voices bid him, 'Worship or be !' in a menacing and confusing manner. What shall he do? By far the greater part of said gods, current in the public, whether... read more
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - 1 John 4:7-21
(7) THE PERFECT LOVE THE SUREST TEST (1 John 4:7-21).(a)Fraternal love the necessary product of the true knowledge of God, because God is love (1 John 4:7-8).(b)The grand recent historical exhibition of God’s love (1 John 4:9-10).(c)Our consequent duty (1 John 4:11).(d)God’s abode in us, the perfecting of His love in us, and the proof of His presence through the Spirit, are the equivalent for seeing Him (1 John 4:12-13).(e)All this is grounded on the strong, undeniable truth of the Apostolic... read more