1 Thessalonians 1 5

1 Thessalonians 1:5 kjv

For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.

1 Thessalonians 1:5 nkjv

For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake.

1 Thessalonians 1:5 niv

because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake.

1 Thessalonians 1:5 esv

because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.

1 Thessalonians 1:5 nlt

For when we brought you the Good News, it was not only with words but also with power, for the Holy Spirit gave you full assurance that what we said was true. And you know of our concern for you from the way we lived when we were with you.

1 Thessalonians 1 verses

1 Thessalonians 1 5 Meaning

The Apostle Paul conveys to the Thessalonian believers that the gospel message they received was not merely eloquent words or human persuasion. Instead, it arrived with divine power, the evident work of the Holy Spirit, and produced deep conviction and certainty in their hearts. This transformative impact was authenticated not only by the supernatural demonstration but also by the apostles' genuine, exemplary lives lived amongst them.

1 Thessalonians 1 5 Context

First Thessalonians is one of Paul's earliest letters, written shortly after his brief but impactful ministry in Thessalonica (Acts 17). This verse immediately follows Paul's opening greeting and a thanksgiving for the Thessalonians' faith, love, and hope, rooted in their effective hearing of the gospel. The church was young, likely facing persecution, and Paul was unable to return. He wrote to affirm them, clarify misunderstandings, and encourage them to persevere. In 1:5, Paul reminds them of the nature of the gospel's initial impact and its authentication. He emphasizes that their conversion was not due to Paul's eloquence, which was highly valued in Greek culture, but due to divine power and their own verifiable experience of his integrity. This also subtly defends his apostleship against any potential critics who might suggest his hurried departure implied a lack of genuine commission.

1 Thessalonians 1 5 Word analysis

• For our gospel:
  • This gospel is not a human philosophy but God's divine message entrusted to them, reflecting Paul's stewardship (cf. Rom 1:1, 1 Cor 9:17).
  • It underscores its divine origin and absolute truth.
• came (ἐγενήθη, egenēthē):
  • Means "was made," "occurred," "came into being." It signifies a definitive, effective arrival and manifestation, not just a casual appearance.
  • It implies a transformation that took place.
• not unto you in word only (οὐκ ἐν λόγῳ μόνον, ouk en logō monon):
  • Highlights the distinction from mere human speech, rhetorical skill, or philosophical debate prevalent in Greek society.
  • The gospel was more than intellectual discourse; it was performative and impactful.
• but also in power (ἀλλὰ καὶ ἐν δυνάμει, alla kai en dynamei):
  • δύναμις (dynamis) refers to inherent ability, divine might, supernatural demonstration, miraculous activity, and transformative energy.
  • This "power" manifests as conversion, spiritual illumination, signs, or a radical change in life.
• and in the Holy Ghost (καὶ ἐν πνεύματι ἁγίῳ, kai en pneumati hagiō):
  • Indicates the active, indwelling presence and work of the divine Spirit.
  • The Spirit convicts, regenerates, gives spiritual life, bears witness, and empowers both the messengers and the recipients.
• and in much assurance (καὶ ἐν πληροφορίᾳ πολλῇ, kai en plērophoria pollē):
  • πληροφορία (plērophoria) means "fullness of persuasion," "complete conviction," "deep certainty," "unwavering confidence."
  • This is not a fleeting feeling but a profound, settled conviction concerning the truth and reality of the gospel within the hearts of the Thessalonians.
  • πολλῇ (pollē) emphasizes the great measure of this assurance.
• as ye know what manner of men we were (καθὼς οἴδατε οἷοι ἐγενήθημεν, kathōs oidate hoioi egenēthēmen):
  • Paul appeals to their own direct observation and experience of his conduct, integrity, and selflessness.
  • The apostles' blameless and dedicated lives authenticated their message; their example reinforced their words.
• among you for your sake (ἐν ὑμῖν δι᾽ ὑμᾶς, en hymin di’ hymas):
  • Emphasizes the apostles' altruistic motivation; their service was for the benefit of the Thessalonians, not for personal gain or prestige.
  • "Among you" signifies the intimate, lived reality of their ministry.

• Words-group analysis:
  • "not... in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance": This four-fold description encapsulates the comprehensive nature of the gospel's arrival. It was a message (word), accompanied by divine action (power), orchestrated by a divine Person (Holy Ghost), leading to a settled conviction (much assurance). It presents a stark contrast between human eloquence and divine efficacy.
  • "power, Holy Ghost, much assurance": This triad describes the tangible evidences of the gospel's authentic transmission and reception. Power refers to the outward demonstrations and transforming effect. The Holy Spirit is the divine agent behind this power. Much assurance is the inward, experiential fruit in the hearts of the believers.
  • "our gospel... as ye know what manner of men we were": The authenticity of the gospel message was validated by the moral integrity and exemplary lives of its messengers. The divine truth of the message was mirrored by the consistent conduct of those who proclaimed it, showing the harmony between doctrine and life.

1 Thessalonians 1 5 Bonus section

• The Greek ideal vs. Apostolic reality: In the Hellenistic world, oratorical skill and eloquent speech were highly prized. Paul consciously departed from this humanistic ideal in his evangelism, focusing instead on divine empowerment. This contrast implicitly forms a polemic against the secular wisdom prevalent in Thessalonica.
• Synergy of the Divine and Human: While divine power and the Holy Spirit are primary, the verse subtly indicates a synergy where the integrity of the human messenger (Paul and his companions) plays a vital corroborating role. The supernatural validates the message, and the character of the messenger further cements its truthfulness.
• Internal vs. External Evidences: The verse highlights both external evidences (the "power" seen in transformative effects and potential signs) and internal evidences (the "Holy Spirit" working in hearts, leading to "much assurance"). A holistic conversion experience involves both.
• Apostolic Pattern: This verse sets a pattern for effective gospel ministry across ages: it's not just about words spoken but about words empowered by God, lived out consistently by ministers, and bearing spiritual fruit in the lives of the hearers, evidenced by genuine conviction.

1 Thessalonians 1 5 Commentary

First Thessalonians 1:5 articulates the true nature of authentic gospel ministry and reception. Paul declares that their proclamation was not a mere philosophical or oratorical exercise, aiming to sway through human wisdom. Instead, it was divinely orchestrated and empowered. The "power" implies more than just compelling arguments; it refers to the Spirit's dynamic energy evident in conversions, changed lives, and possibly accompanying miraculous signs (though not explicitly detailed here). The presence and active work of the "Holy Spirit" was foundational, convicting hearts, illuminating truth, and regenerating souls. This divine action resulted in "much assurance" – a profound, inner conviction and certainty within the Thessalonians themselves that the message was from God. Finally, the apostles' own "manner of men" – their transparent, selfless, and exemplary lives – provided external, tangible proof that their message was not a charade. Thus, the gospel's arrival was authenticated by divine demonstration (power, Holy Spirit) and human integrity (apostolic example), ensuring that the Thessalonians' faith rested not on man's wisdom but on God's power.