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.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G3754} our {G2257} gospel {G2098} came {G1096} not {G3756} unto {G1519} you {G5209} in {G1722} word {G3056} only {G3440}, but {G235} also {G2532} in {G1722} power {G1411}, and {G2532} in {G1722} the Holy {G40} Ghost {G4151}, and {G2532} in {G1722} much {G4183} assurance {G4136}; as {G2531} ye know {G1492} what manner of men {G3634} we were {G1096} among {G1722} you {G5213} for {G1223} your {G5209} sake.

Complete Jewish Bible

that the Good News we brought did not become for you a matter only of words, but also one of power, the Ruach HaKodesh and total conviction — just as you know how we lived for your sakes when we were with you.

Berean Standard Bible

because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power, in the Holy Spirit, and with great conviction—just as you know we lived among you for your sake.

American Standard Version

how that our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and in much assurance; even as ye know what manner of men we showed ourselves toward you for your sake.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Thessalonians 1:5 profoundly describes the transformative arrival of the gospel in Thessalonica, asserting that its efficacy was not merely due to human eloquence or intellectual persuasion but was powerfully demonstrated through divine action. Paul reminds the believers that the message they received was accompanied by the inherent power of God and the active presence of the Holy Spirit, leading to deep conviction and assurance, all validated by the authentic and selfless lives of the apostolic messengers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of the opening thanksgiving and commendation section of Paul's First Epistle to the Thessalonians. Following the salutation (1:1), Paul immediately expresses gratitude for the Thessalonians' faith, love, and hope (1:2-3), recognizing their election by God (1:4). Verse 5 then serves as the explanation or evidence for this divine election and the authenticity of their conversion, detailing *how* the gospel came to them. It sets the stage for the subsequent descriptions of their exemplary faith (1:6-10) and Paul's defense of his ministry among them (2:1-12), emphasizing that their conversion was a work of God, not merely human effort. The powerful reception of the gospel described here contrasts sharply with the opposition Paul and his companions faced, as detailed in [Acts 17:1-9](/acts/17-1-9 "Acts 17:1-9 - Paul's Ministry in Thessalonica").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul, Silvanus (Silas), and Timothy had established the church in Thessalonica during Paul's second missionary journey, likely around AD 50-51. Thessalonica was a significant Roman provincial capital in Macedonia, a bustling port city known for its commerce and diverse population, including a Jewish synagogue. The ministry there was relatively brief, lasting perhaps only a few weeks, but intensely fruitful, leading to the conversion of many Gentiles and some Jews. However, it was also met with fierce opposition from jealous Jews, who incited a mob against Paul and his companions, forcing them to leave abruptly (as recounted in [Acts 17:5-10](/acts/17-5-10 "Acts 17:5-10 - Persecution in Thessalonica")). This letter, written from Corinth shortly after their departure, aims to encourage the young church, which was enduring persecution, to confirm their faith, and to address any misunderstandings or anxieties that arose from their abrupt departure and the ongoing trials.
* **Key Themes:** The verse contributes to several major themes present in 1 Thessalonians. Firstly, it highlights the **divine origin and power of the gospel**, emphasizing that its effectiveness stems from God, not human ability. This underscores the theme of **God's election and work in salvation**, as the Thessalonians' conversion is presented as evidence of their being "chosen" (1:4). Secondly, it introduces the theme of **authentic apostolic ministry**, contrasting mere "word only" with a ministry characterized by "power, Holy Ghost, and much assurance," and validated by the messengers' lives ("what manner of men we were among you"). This theme is further developed in [1 Thessalonians 2:1-12](/1_thessalonians/2-1-12 "1 Thessalonians 2:1-12 - Paul's Ministry in Thessalonica"). Finally, the "much assurance" points to the **certainty of faith and hope** that characterizes genuine conversion, a theme woven throughout the epistle as Paul encourages them to stand firm in their faith despite tribulation (e.g., [1 Thessalonians 3:2-5](/1_thessalonians/3-2-5 "1 Thessalonians 3:2-5 - Paul's Concern for the Thessalonians")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **came (Greek, _gínomai'_):** This verb signifies "to become," "to come into being," or "to happen." In this context, it emphasizes the dynamic, active, and decisive arrival of the gospel among the Thessalonians. It implies that the gospel was not merely presented as a static message but manifested itself as a living, transformative reality, actively taking hold and producing an effect.
* **power (Greek, _dýnamis'_):** This term denotes inherent force, ability, or miraculous power. It points to the supernatural efficacy of the gospel, indicating that its impact was not merely persuasive rhetoric but a divine enablement that brought about conviction, regeneration, and spiritual transformation. This power is God's own might at work, making the message effective beyond human capacity.
* **assurance (Greek, _plērophoría'_):** Meaning "full conviction" or "complete certainty," this word conveys a deep, unwavering persuasion. It suggests that the gospel was delivered by the apostles with absolute conviction and received by the Thessalonians with profound certainty, leading to a firm and settled faith that left no room for doubt. This assurance was a mark of the Spirit's work, confirming the truth of the message.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For our gospel came not unto you in word only":** This opening clause establishes a crucial contrast. Paul asserts that the gospel he preached was more than just human speech or intellectual discourse. While words are the vehicle for communication, the gospel's impact in Thessalonica transcended mere verbal articulation, indicating a deeper, supernatural dimension to its reception.
* **"but also in power":** This phrase immediately clarifies the nature of the gospel's arrival. The "power" (Greek: _dynamis_) refers to God's inherent ability and supernatural working. This power manifested in the conviction of hearts, the regeneration of lives, and the visible transformation of individuals and the community, demonstrating that the message was divinely empowered, not merely humanly persuasive.
* **"and in the Holy Ghost":** The Holy Spirit is identified as the active agent through whom God's power is mediated and applied. The Spirit convicts, illuminates, regenerates, and empowers. His presence ensured that the preaching was not just an auditory event but a divine encounter, bringing the truth of the gospel to bear on the hearts and minds of the hearers with life-changing effect.
* **"and in much assurance":** This refers to the profound conviction and unwavering certainty that accompanied both the apostles' preaching and the Thessalonians' reception of the gospel. The apostles delivered the message with full confidence in its truth, and the Thessalonians embraced it with deep, God-given certainty, leading to a radical turning from idols to serve the living God. This assurance was a hallmark of genuine conversion.
* **"as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake":** This concluding clause provides empirical evidence for the gospel's authenticity and power. Paul appeals to the Thessalonians' own firsthand knowledge of the apostles' conduct. Their selfless, integrity-filled, and sacrificial lives served as a living demonstration of the gospel's truth and power, reinforcing the message they proclaimed and validating their ministry. The messengers' character was consistent with the divine message.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Contrast** is central, immediately established by "not...only, but also," distinguishing the gospel's arrival from mere human speech and highlighting its supernatural dimensions. The repeated use of the preposition "in" (Greek: _en_) before "power," "the Holy Ghost," and "much assurance" serves as a form of **anaphora** and **emphasis**, underscoring the distinct yet interconnected modes of the gospel's effective operation. Furthermore, the final clause, "as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake," functions as an appeal to **ethos**, drawing upon the established credibility and integrity of the apostolic team. This personal appeal provides a powerful **testimonial** element, grounding the abstract theological claims in the tangible, observed reality of the apostles' lives.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
First Thessalonians 1:5 articulates a foundational truth about the nature of the gospel and its effective proclamation: it is not merely a human message but a divine act. The power and presence of the Holy Spirit are indispensable for genuine conversion, transforming intellectual assent into radical life change. This verse underscores the sovereignty of God in salvation, demonstrating that faith is not merely a human decision but a response enabled by divine power. It also highlights the crucial role of the messenger's integrity, showing that a life consistent with the gospel amplifies its power and credibility. The "much assurance" speaks to the Spirit-given certainty that accompanies true faith, a deep conviction that anchors believers amidst trials.

* [Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - The Power of the Gospel")
* [1 Corinthians 2:4](/1_corinthians/2-4 "1 Corinthians 2:4 - Preaching in Power")
* [John 16:8](/john/16-8 "John 16:8 - The Spirit's Conviction")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse serves as a profound reminder for all who seek to share the good news of Jesus Christ, as well as for those who have received it. For evangelism, it teaches us that while clear articulation of the message is vital, true effectiveness stems from reliance on the supernatural work of God. Our efforts, however eloquent or well-reasoned, are ultimately insufficient without the accompanying "power" and "Holy Ghost." This calls for prayerful dependence on the Spirit, recognizing that conviction and conversion are His work, not ours. For believers, it encourages a deep introspection: was our reception of the gospel marked by "much assurance"? Does our faith rest on a profound, Spirit-given conviction, or merely on intellectual agreement? Furthermore, the verse challenges us to live lives that authenticate the message we proclaim. Just as Paul's conduct validated his preaching, our integrity, love, and perseverance in Christ should serve as a compelling witness to the transformative power of the gospel in our own lives, making our witness credible and impactful for the sake of others.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways have you experienced the "power" and "Holy Ghost" accompanying the gospel in your own life or in the lives of others?**
* **How does the "much assurance" described here relate to your own certainty and conviction in your faith?**
* **What "manner of men/women" are we, as believers, among those who observe us? How does our conduct either affirm or undermine the gospel message we represent?**
* **How can we cultivate a greater dependence on the Holy Spirit in our personal witness and corporate ministry, moving beyond "word only"?**

### FAQ

**What does Paul mean by "our gospel"? Is it different from God's gospel?**

Answer: When Paul refers to "our gospel," he is not suggesting a gospel distinct from God's or Christ's. Rather, he is speaking of the gospel message that he and his missionary team proclaimed. It is "our" in the sense that it was entrusted to them, faithfully preached by them, and personally experienced by them. It is the same "gospel of God" (as seen in [1 Thessalonians 2:2](/1_thessalonians/2-2 "1 Thessalonians 2:2 - Paul's Boldness in God")) and the "gospel of Christ" (as in [Romans 15:19](/romans/15-19 "Romans 15:19 - Paul's Full Proclamation of the Gospel")) that originates from God and centers on Jesus Christ. Paul's emphasis here is on the authenticity and divine backing of the specific message they delivered to the Thessalonians.

**How did the "power" manifest itself in the early church, and what does it mean for us today?**

Answer: In the early church, the "power" (Greek: _dynamis_) often manifested in various ways, including miraculous signs and wonders (e.g., [Acts 2:43](/acts/2-43 "Acts 2:43 - Many Wonders and Signs")), healings, and deliverances, which served to confirm the spoken word. However, as seen in [1 Corinthians 2:4](/1_corinthians/2-4 "1 Corinthians 2:4 - Preaching in Power"), it also profoundly referred to the internal, spiritual power that convicts hearts, regenerates spirits, and transforms lives, leading to genuine repentance and faith. For us today, while God can still work miraculously, the primary manifestation of this "power" is consistently seen in the Holy Spirit's ability to convict individuals of sin, righteousness, and judgment (as in [John 16:8](/john/16-8 "John 16:8 - The Spirit's Work of Conviction")), to grant spiritual understanding, to empower believers for holy living, and to build up the church. The gospel's power is fundamentally transformative, changing the human heart and life.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
First Thessalonians 1:5, while focusing on the apostolic ministry, ultimately points to Christ as the source and substance of the gospel's power. The "gospel" itself is the good news *about* Jesus Christ—His life, death, resurrection, and ascension—which brings salvation. The "power" accompanying this gospel is the very power of God, most fully revealed in Christ's triumph over sin and death (as declared in [Philippians 3:10](/philippians/3-10 "Philippians 3:10 - Knowing Christ and His Power")). The "Holy Ghost" who applies the gospel is the Spirit of Christ, poured out after His ascension to empower His followers (as promised in [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Witness")). The "much assurance" found in the gospel is the certainty of salvation and eternal life secured by Christ's finished work on the cross (a theme echoed in [Hebrews 10:22](/hebrews/10-22 "Hebrews 10:22 - Full Assurance of Faith")). Finally, the integrity of the apostles' lives, "what manner of men we were among you for your sake," reflects the character of Christ Himself, who lived a perfect, self-sacrificial life "for our sake" (as described in [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Thus, the effective arrival of the gospel in Thessalonica was a demonstration of Christ's ongoing work through His Spirit and His servants, bringing people into His saving embrace.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Mark 16:20

And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with [them], and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

2 Thessalonians 3:7

For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;

2 Thessalonians 3:9

Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.

1 Corinthians 2:2

For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

1 Corinthians 2:5

That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

1 Thessalonians 2:13

¶ For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received [it] not [as] the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

Galatians 3:2

This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?