1 John 5:14–15

Context

1 John is a letter traditionally attributed to the apostle John. It was written to believers who had been unsettled by people who denied that Jesus had come in the flesh and had left the community (1 John 2:19). In 5:13 the author states his purpose in writing: "that ye may know that ye have eternal life." In verses 14–15 he goes on to say that this assurance carries over into confidence in prayer.

The word "confidence" (or "boldness") in verse 14 translates the Greek parrēsia, which denotes freedom to speak openly and without hesitation. The word also appears in the same letter at 2:28, 3:21, and 4:17. In particular, 3:21–22, which says that those who keep God's commandments receive whatever they ask, closely parallels this passage. Immediately afterward, the letter addresses intercessory prayer for a brother who sins (1 John 5:16).

Interpretation

• Reading "according to his will" as the standard for prayer: This reading is held by many commentators, including those in the Reformed tradition. It holds that prayer is not a means of changing God's will but a process of conforming one's own will to God's. Supporting texts include the petition in the Lord's Prayer, "Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven," and the prayer Jesus offered in Gethsemane.
• Reading that emphasizes the assurance of God's children: This reading is widespread in evangelical preaching. It takes the words of verse 15, "we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him," as expressing trust that God has already heard, even before the outcome is seen. It stresses that the assurance of eternal life (v. 13) and the assurance of prayer belong to a single line of thought.
• Reading that emphasizes the confession of faith: This reading is found in parts of Pentecostalism and the charismatic movement, especially in the so-called Word of Faith movement. It reads verse 15 alongside Mark 11:22–25 and treats it as grounds for believing and confessing that what one has asked for has already been received. It is often cited in connection with prayer for divine healing.

Controversies and Issues

• Criticism of quoting without the condition: Critics of prosperity theology contend that when this passage is quoted, the condition "according to his will" in verse 14 is often omitted and the promise of verse 15 is used in isolation. Proponents counter that things promised in Scripture, such as healing or the provision of needs, have already been revealed as God's will.
• A critique from the opposite direction: Some also raise the pastoral concern that when prayer goes unanswered, people too readily settle the matter by saying "it was not his will," while neglecting to examine whether they have asked with wrong motives, as described in James 4:2–3.
• Translation: Korean Bible translations sometimes render parrēsia as "boldness" and sometimes with a term closer to "assurance." Each choice shifts the emphasis somewhat.

In the Korean Church

The passage is frequently cited, together with teaching on the assurance of salvation, in new-believer instruction and discipleship training materials on "assurance of answered prayer." It is also commonly used as a sermon text at the start of committed prayer periods or special dawn prayer meetings.

Related Passages

• 1 John 3:21–22
• John 16:23–24
• Matthew 26:39
• James 4:2–3
• Luke 11:5–13