1 Thessalonians 1:4-5
What is written? (ESV)
For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.
What does it say?
Brethren, we know that God [the Father] loves you and has chosen you because you were fully convicted by the gospel that came to you in word and power and in the Holy Spirit. And you know our character based on what we did on your behalf.
What is its immediate context?
Paul’s introduction to the “church of the Thessalonians” (1:1), he recalls the events around their first hearing Paul bring them the gospel (Acts 17 during his second missionary journey) and the subsequent word he has received about them from other “believers in Macedonia and Achaia” (vs 7).
How 1 Thessalonians 1:4-5 is applied across Bible answers
Are God’s word and the Holy Spirit the same thing?
Paul names three distinct aspects that made up the way in which the "gospel came to [the Thessalonians]" -- one was "in word", the other "in power", and finally "in the Holy Spirit".
