Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
Ver. 1. But try the spirits] As lapidaries do their stones, as goldsmiths do their metals. A Bristol stone may look as well as an Indian diamond; and many things glitter besides gold. Try therefore before you trust that which is doctrinally delivered unto you; being neither overly credulous, -the fool believeth everything; nor rashly censorious, as those were that said of our Saviour, "This man blasphemeth." See Trapp on " 1Th 5:21 "
Because many false prophets] Both the old Church, Deuteronomy 13:1, and the new, Acts 20:30, were ever pestered with them.