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. 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.
The gospel reached Thessalonica not as bare words but with divine power, through the Holy Spirit, and with deep conviction and certainty. Its messengers confirmed the message by the way they lived among the people for their good, practicing what they preached. The human word and the divine Spirit worked together, so that Spirit-filled preaching carried living power rather than tame formality. Those who heard received the message with joy from the Holy Spirit even in affliction, turned from idols to serve the living God, followed Christ and His messengers, and became examples to believers in Macedonia and Achaia. The same Spirit who blessed the apostles is ready to bless gospel workers in every age, giving power and assurance to their preaching and requiring a loving, humble, devoted life that matches the truth proclaimed.
Gospel Power at Thessalonica
At Thessalonica the gospel arrived not in word only but in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and in much assurance. It came through more than spoken words, with the Spirit's power and deep, strong assurance resting upon the proclamation. The same power that attended it there is what the message must have whenever it is effectively proclaimed, not merely words but the Holy Spirit's power with strong assurance. Its messengers' manner of life among the hearers for their sake confirmed the message and served their good. Paul and his companions lived the gospel they proclaimed, and their conduct among the Thessalonians testified to it and supported its influence.
The Word and the Spirit agree and work together, the human messenger and the divine agent cooperating in the work. Through the Spirit the Word becomes a power, and therefore the message must not be tame. That Spirit-empowered proclamation produced a response in which hearers received the word and turned to serve God. They followed the messengers and the Lord, receiving the word with joy given by the Holy Spirit despite affliction. From idols they turned to serve the living God in a real change of life, and became examples to believers in Macedonia and Achaia.
The chapter containing this testimony offers a lesson to individual church members. It bears testimony that the apostles are laborers together with God.
Pattern for Gospel Ministry
The verse sets the pattern for true gospel missionary work, the work in which the truly converted take part, for the gospel comes not in word only but in power and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, with the life of the messengers confirming the message. The same Spirit who gave power and assurance to preaching then and stirred the hearts of the hearers is willing to bless gospel workers in every age in the same way. Those who proclaim the truth are therefore to represent it with Christlike meekness and to live in a way that supports their message, remaining faithful even when the truth brings persecution or death. That responsibility includes preserving the influence of spiritual work through dignified and careful conduct.
Ministers who live the truth will show it in loving, kind, tender, humble, earnest, and devoted lives, for their works are the credentials of their ministry and the spirit of the preacher must match the truth preached. Usefulness comes through trusting Christ as a personal Saviour, depending on God's grace, and receiving Christ's righteousness rather than relying on one's own, and this brings peace and rest of soul, with such assurance serving as evidence of being a living child of God. The work itself is seen in people who believe and spread the word of God, and merely serving food does not sanctify workers, who need spiritual strength and the Holy Spirit's instruction to carry it out rather than relying on human wisdom.
The Holy Spirit's converting power is what makes the message effective in bringing people to God, turning them from idols and from error to serve the living God, producing a real change of life. Through that power the message brings many to Christ. Even the conversion of a small number is cause for thanksgiving to God.
This experience is needed in proclaiming the message of Christ's return, for that message must have living power and the Holy Spirit and must turn people from idols to serve the living God. It must be preached with earnestness as the Lord's coming draws nearer. In the final work of the gospel the message will go with this same power as the Spirit reveals Jesus to people and Christ prepares a people to stand the final test.