1 John 4:6

We. That is, the apostles or their associates, in contrast with the “ye” (verse 4) and “they” (verse 5). The pronoun is emphatic as are “ye” and “they” in verses 4, 5. Having already said that the believers are “of God” (verse 4), he is making no exaggerated claim when he applies the same description to himself and his colleagues.

He that knoweth God. This description corresponds to “he that is of God,” but emphasizes the aspect of a personal acquaintance with God.

Heareth us. There is natural harmony between the teachers who “are of God” and those who know God. The listeners will eagerly hear the instruction that comes from those who already have intimate acquaintance with the Father. In reminding his readers of this truth, John is also recording a test of the genuineness of Christian profession — those who know God will attentively hear His true messengers.

Is not of God. See on verse 3.

Heareth not us. If a man has resisted the convicting power of the Spirit, he is unlikely to listen to a servant of God. If the resistance is conscious and determined, such people will often not even allow God’s servant to talk to them, but will repulse them as they have repelled the Spirit. Hence, there is little that can be directly done for them (see on 1 Cor. 2:14). But there are many who have been deceived into resisting truth without knowing the seriousness of what they were doing. The sophistries of Satan have so clouded their judgment that the truth of God seems an idle tale. For them much can be done. The demonstration of the results of Christian beliefs in the lives of those who are “of God” will often arouse an interest. Especially does the quiet confidence of the truly converted appeal to those who realize the hopelessness of the future outlined by the world’s wisest men.

Hereby. Literally, “out of this.” It appears preferable to refer this “hereby” to the contents of verse 6 rather than apply it to verses 4-6, although the stated test may be applied in the wider context without distorting John’s meaning. The nature of the spirit that controls a man may be discerned by the way he reacts to the teachings of God’s accredited servants.

Know we. This may refer to the apostolic teachers (see above under “we”) or to the readers, or to both groups.

Spirit of truth. Many believe this refers to the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God (cf. verse 2; cf. on John 14:17), since John in this chapter is dealing with the opposing spirits (verses 1—3). The Holy Spirit is the source of the believers’ impulse to seek truth. It is by comparison with the truths they have already been taught by that Spirit that believers can recognize the right. The sheep recognize the voice of the Good Shepherd in the words of those whom the Shepherd has sent to them (John 10:27).

Others believe that “spirit of truth” refers more generally to the inward attitude motivating those who preach the truth (cf. on Rom. 8:15).

Spirit. If the phrase “spirit of error” be taken as the antithesis of “spirit of truth,” then the “spirit of error” may be regarded as the spirit of Satan, or the spirit of antichrist, or the attitude of those propagating error (cf. on Rom. 8:15).

Error. Gr. plane, “wandering” (see on Matt. 18:12). It is possible to err through ignorance, but the spirit of error is deliberately seeking to make men wander from the path of truth.