Compare Acts 17:20 with 1 John 4:1 on testing new teachings. Setting the Scene Acts 17:20 and 1 John 4:1 sit in very different moments of biblical history, yet both speak to the same crucial practice: examining every teaching that claims to be from God. Scripture never treats this as optional; it is a standing order for every believer. Acts 17:20 – Curiosity That Needs Anchoring “You are bringing some strange notions to our ears, and we want to know what they mean.” (Acts 17:20) • Athens was full of philosophies; the gospel sounded new. • The Athenians’ desire to “know what they mean” shows intellectual curiosity, but Paul will root any answer in revealed truth (Acts 17:22-31). • Curiosity is commendable only when it drives us toward God’s authoritative word, not away from it. 1 John 4:1 – The Non-Negotiable Test “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” (1 John 4:1) • The command is direct: “do not believe every spirit.” • Testing is not a one-time event but an ongoing responsibility. • The reason: “many false prophets” already operate; deception is expected, not rare. Placing the Two Passages Side by Side • Acts 17 highlights the openness to hear; 1 John 4 highlights the obligation to verify. • Together they define a balanced posture: eager ears, discerning hearts. • Scripture applauds neither gullibility nor cynicism. It endorses Spirit-guided scrutiny (1 Corinthians 14:29; 1 Thessalonians 5:21). Biblical Standards for Testing New Teachings 1. Is it anchored in the written Word? – “Even if we…should preach a gospel contrary…let him be accursed.” (Galatians 1:8) – “All Scripture is God-breathed…so that the man of God may be complete.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17) 2. Does it exalt Jesus as He is revealed in Scripture? – “No one speaking by the Spirit of God says, ‘Jesus be cursed,’ and no one can say, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ except by the Holy Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 12:3) – “Every spirit that confesses Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God.” (1 John 4:2) 3. Does it produce righteous fruit? – “You will recognize them by their fruit.” (Matthew 7:16-20) – “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…” (Galatians 5:22-23) 4. Is it consistent with the gospel already delivered? – “Hold fast to the traditions we passed on to you.” (2 Thessalonians 2:15) – “Contend earnestly for the faith once for all delivered to the saints.” (Jude 3) 5. Is its source submissive to Christ’s authority and the church’s accountability? – “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” (Ephesians 5:21) – “God is not a God of disorder but of peace.” (1 Corinthians 14:33) Practical Steps for Daily Discernment • Read Scripture systematically; familiarity sharpens detection of error. • Compare every new idea with the clear teaching of the Bible; the plain text rules. • Weigh teachings in community with mature believers and recognized elders (Hebrews 13:7). • Look for the Holy Spirit’s confirming witness—never in contradiction to Scripture (John 16:13). • Observe the long-term fruit in the teacher’s life and ministry (1 Timothy 3:1-7). Wrapping It Up Acts 17:20 applauds thoughtful curiosity; 1 John 4:1 commands rigorous testing. Together they call believers not merely to entertain new teachings but to submit them to the unchanging standard of God’s Word, confident that truth withstands every honest examination. |
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