Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 John 4:7-13
As the Spirit of truth is known by doctrine (thus spirits are to be tried), it is known by love likewise; and so here follows a strong fervent exhortation to holy Christian love: Beloved, let us love one another, 1 John 4:7. The apostle would unite them in his love, that he might unite them in love to each other: ?Beloved, I beseech you, by the love I bear to you, that you put on unfeigned mutual love.? This exhortation is pressed and urged with variety of argument: as, I. From the high and... read more
Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 John 4:4-6
In these verses the apostle encourages the disciples against the fear and danger of this seducing antichristian spirit, and that by such methods as these:?1. He assures them of a more divine principle in them: ?You are of God, little children, 1 John 4:4. You are God's little children. We are of God, 1 John 4:6. We are born of God, taught of God, anointed of God, and so secured against infectious fatal delusions. God has his chosen, who shall not be mortally seduced.? 2. He gives them hope of... read more