1 John 4:1

Beloved. Again the recognition of danger from false spirits prompts this affectionate address. Compare 1 John 3:21.

Try [δ ο κ ι μ α ζ ε τ ε]. Better, as Rev., prove. See on 1 Peter 1:7; Luke 12:55. Compare the phrase discerning of spirits, 1 Corinthians 12:10.

Of God [ε κ]. Out of : proceeding from.

False prophets [ψ ε υ δ ο π ρ ο φ η τ α ι]. The term is applied in the New Testament to rivals of true prophets under the old dispensation (Luke 6:26; 2 Peter 2:1), and to rivals of the apostles under the gospel economy (Matthew 7:15; Matthew 24:11; Matthew 24:24; Mark 13:22). In Revelation to "the embodied power of spiritual falsehood" (xvi. 13; Mark 19:20; Mark 20:10). The false prophet supports his claims by signs and portents (Matthew 24:24; Acts 13:6; Revelation 19:20) and is thus distinguished from the false teacher. See 2 Peter 2:1, where the two terms occur together.

Are gone out [ε ξ α λ η λ υ θ α σ ι ν]. The perfect tense indicates that the influence of their going out on their false mission is in operation at the present.