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1 John 4:3

1 John 4:3
And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

My Notes

Commentary

Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.

Baptist theologian, 1697–1771

Gill's Exposition

And every spirit that confesseth not,.... The proper deity and sonship of Christ, his true and real humanity, and his Messiahship; or any of his offices, doctrines, and ordinances; or his satisfaction…

Presbyterian pastor, 1798–1870

Barnes' Notes

And every spirit that confesseth not ... - That is, this doctrine is essential to the Christian system; and he who does not hold it cannot be regarded either as a Christian, or recognised as a…

Methodist theologian, 1762–1832

Adam Clarke

Every spirit - Every teacher, that confesseth not Jesus, is not of God - has not been inspired by God. The words εν σαρκι εληλυθοτα, is come in the flesh, are wanting in AB, several others, both the…

Nonconformist minister, 1662–1714

Matthew Henry

1 John 4:1-3

The apostle, having said that God's dwelling in and with us may be known by the Spirit that he hath given us, intimates that that Spirit may be discerned and distinguished from other spirits that…

Academic commentary, 1882–1921

Cambridge Bible

confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh On overwhelming evidence (AB, Coptic, Aethiopic, Vulgate, &c.) we must omit the words -that Christ is come in the flesh", retaining only…

Cross References

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