1 Thessalonians 1:5
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.
Study Note
Study Note
Paul recalls that the gospel came to the Thessalonians 'not in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance' — listing four dimensions of the gospel's mode of arrival. The distinction between 'word only' and the three-part addition (power, Holy Spirit, deep conviction) identifies what made the Thessalonian mission successful: not rhetorical excellence alone but Spirit-empowered proclamation. This is consistent with Paul's stated methodology in 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 ('my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power'). The 'much assurance' (pleroforeia) likely refers to both the preacher's conviction and the hearers' fullness of reception — suggesting the Spirit's work on both sides of the proclamation event.
Other Translations
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.
because our good news did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and in much assurance, even as ye have known of what sort we became among you because of you,
Because our good news came to you, not in word only, but in power, and in the Holy Spirit, so that you were completely certain of it; even as you saw what our behaviour to you was like from our love to you.
Cross References
The wicked in his pride doth persecute the poor: let them be taken in the devices that they have imagined.
For the wicked boasteth of his heart’s desire, and blesseth the covetous, whom the Lord abhorreth.
So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but …
And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. …
Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not …
All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew …
Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy …
While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.