1 THESSALONIANS 1:5 — KING JAMES VERSION 0
“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.”
Because our gospel came to you not only in word but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction — the gospel is performative, not merely declarative. The 'power' (dynamis) is the manifest, irresistible working of God transforming human hearts and communities; it is pneumatic (Spirit-driven) and persuasive ('full conviction'). The Thessalonians know the gospel is not merely attractive philosophy but the life-giving word of the living God.
Church Fathers on 1 Thessalonians 1:5
Knowing what? How “we showed ourselves among you”? Here he also touches upon his own good actions, but covertly. For he wishes first to enlarge upon their praises, and what he says is something of this sort. I knew that you were men of great and noble sort, that you were of the Elect. For this reason we also endure all things for your sake. For this, “what manner of men we showed ourselves among you,” is the expression of one showing that with much zeal and much vehemence we…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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