1st Thessalonians Chapter 1 verse 5 Holy Bible

1st Thessalonians 1 : 5 Bible Verse Songs

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Pulpit Commentary

Pulpit CommentaryVerse 5. - For; or rather, how that (R.V.); or, because; assigning the reasons for Paul's confidence in their election; and these reasons were two: first, the powerful entrance which the gospel had among them; and secondly, the joyful reception which was given to it by the Thessalonians. Our gospel; that is, the gospel which was preached by us. Came not unto you in word only. The gospel came in word, for this was a necessary pre-requisite, but "not in word only," that is, it was not a bare publication or communication in human words. But in power. Some restrict the epithets which here follow to the teachers, as denoting the mode in which they preached the gospel; but it is better to refer them both to the teachers and the taught. By "power" is not meant miracles, but, in contrast to "word," the power with which Paul and his companions preached, and the impression which the gospel made on the hearers. And in the Holy Ghost. Here also the reference is, not to miraculous gifts, but to the influences of the Spirit accompanying the preaching of the gospel; such was the efficacy of Paul's preaching that it proved itself to be accompanied by the operation of the Holy Ghost in the conversion of his hearers. There is here an ascent: the gospel came in power, and, what is more, it came in the Holy Ghost. And in much assurance. By "assurance" here is meant the confidence with which Paul and his fellow-workers preached the gospel to the Thessalonians, and the fullness of conviction with which the Thessalonians received it. As ye know. An appeal to their knowledge that what he now states is true. What manner of men we were among you. Alluding to the blamelessness of their behavior when in Thessalonica. For your sake; namely, that we sought not our own profit or advantage, but your spiritual good.

Ellicott's Commentary

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(5) "If God had not set His heart upon you, we never could have been as successful among you as we were."Our gospel came not unto you.--Or rather, the glad tidings which we brought did not prove among you, in its action upon you.In word only.--Comp. 1Corinthians 2:4; 1Corinthians 4:20. "It did not consist merely of so much eloquent instruction, but also we found we were speaking with a conscious power--indeed with all the force of the Holy Ghost--and with an overmastering conviction that we were right and should prevail." That by the "power," "assurance," etc., are meant the preachers' own, and not the people's, is proved by the next clause, "as ye know."In the Holy Ghost.--The Greek here omits the definite article. In such cases attention is not so much called to the Blessed Person Himself, as to the exalted, inspired enthusiasm with which He fills us. The union of the divine and human spirit is so close (see 1Corinthians 6:17) that it is often hard in the New Testament to distinguish which is meant.As ye know sums up with an appeal to their memory: "In fact, you recollect what God made us like among you."For your sake gives not their own purpose, but God's, carrying on the thought of the "election." . . .