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.
Original Language Analysis
ὅτι
For
G3754
ὅτι
For
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
1 of 31
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 31
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐγενήθημεν
came
G1096
ἐγενήθημεν
came
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
6 of 31
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
εἰς
unto
G1519
εἰς
unto
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
7 of 31
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
λόγῳ
word
G3056
λόγῳ
word
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
10 of 31
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
12 of 31
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 31
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
δυνάμει
power
G1411
δυνάμει
power
Strong's:
G1411
Word #:
15 of 31
force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 31
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πνεύματι
Ghost
G4151
πνεύματι
Ghost
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
18 of 31
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
ἁγίῳ
the Holy
G40
ἁγίῳ
the Holy
Strong's:
G40
Word #:
19 of 31
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
20 of 31
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πολλῇ
much
G4183
πολλῇ
much
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
23 of 31
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
οἴδατε
ye know
G1492
οἴδατε
ye know
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
25 of 31
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
οἷοι
what manner of men
G3634
οἷοι
what manner of men
Strong's:
G3634
Word #:
26 of 31
such or what sort of (as a correlation or exclamation); especially the neuter (adverbially) with negative, not so
ἐγενήθημεν
came
G1096
ἐγενήθημεν
came
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
27 of 31
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
Cross References
Mark 16:20And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.1 Thessalonians 2:13For 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.2 Thessalonians 2:14Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.1 Corinthians 4:20For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.1 Peter 1:12Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.Colossians 2:2That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;Acts 11:21And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.Ephesians 3:20Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,Romans 1:16For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.2 Timothy 2:8Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:
Historical Context
Paul had come to Thessalonica from Philippi, where he and Silas had been beaten and imprisoned (Acts 16:22-24). Arriving with wounds still fresh, they preached boldly despite previous suffering. This suffering-servant pattern authenticated the message—why endure such cost for a lie? The Holy Spirit used Paul's courageous testimony to produce deep conviction in hearers. The rapid conversion of Thessalonians, including prominent women (Acts 17:4), demonstrated power beyond human persuasion.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you distinguish between intellectually accepted truth and Spirit-empowered conviction in your own faith experience?
- What role does the messenger's character and willingness to suffer play in validating the gospel's power?
- In what ways have you experienced the gospel as 'power' and not merely 'word' in your conversion or spiritual growth?
Analysis & Commentary
For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance—Paul distinguishes mere rhetoric from pneumatic reality. The phrase ouk en logō monon alla kai en dynamei (οὐκ ἐν λόγῳ μόνον ἀλλὰ καὶ ἐν δυνάμει, 'not in word only but also in power') echoes 1 Corinthians 2:4-5, contrasting human persuasion with divine demonstration. Dynamis (δύναμις, 'power') refers to the Spirit's convicting work; plērophoria (πληροφορία, 'full assurance') describes the deep conviction produced by Spirit-empowered preaching.
As ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake—Paul's character authenticated his message. The missionaries' suffering for the gospel (Acts 17:5-9) proved they weren't in it for gain. True gospel preaching combines doctrinal content ('word'), supernatural power (Holy Spirit conviction), deep persuasion (assurance), and credible messengers (godly character). The Thessalonians didn't merely assent to propositions—they experienced God's transforming power through the word.