1 Thessalonians 1:5
What does 1 Thessalonians 1:5 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Thessalonians 1:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Thessalonians 1:5 means
Paul explains how he knows their election: the gospel did not come “in word only,” but with power, the Holy Spirit, and deep conviction. God authenticated the message by transforming hearts, not merely informing minds. “Much assurance” likely marked both the preachers and the hearers—the messengers spoke and lived with Spirit-given certainty, and the Thessalonians received with persuaded hearts. Paul also reminds them of the missionaries’ conduct among them; integrity and love matched the message, commending it further. The verse shows that true evangelism involves faithful words, Spirit-empowered effect, and credible lives, leading to settled confidence that God has truly worked.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000how that our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and in much assurance; even as ye know what manner of men we showed ourselves toward you for your sake.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901how that our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and in much assurance; even as ye know what manner of men we showed ourselves toward you for your sake.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Because our good news came to you, not in word only, but in power, and in the Holy Spirit, so that you were completely certain of it; even as you saw what our behaviour to you was like from our love to you.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862because our good news did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and in much assurance, even as ye have known of what sort we became among you because of you,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For our gospel hath not been unto you in word only, but in power also: and in the Holy Ghost and in much fulness, as you know what manner of men we have been among you for your sakes.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890For our glad tidings were not with you in word only, but also in power, and in [the] Holy Spirit, and in much assurance; even as ye know what we were among you for your sakes:
Context
This verse supports the assurance of verse 4 by pointing to the character of the gospel’s arrival. It bridges doctrine and experience: God’s choice became evident when the Spirit powerfully applied the preached word. The next verse (6) shows the result in the Thessalonians—joyful imitation amid affliction—while verses 7–8 trace how their transformed lives echoed outward. Verse 5 therefore anchors the chapter’s testimony in the Spirit’s work, not mere rhetoric.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Peter 1:12
To whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto you, did they minister these things, which now have been announced unto you through them that preached the gospel unto you by the Holy Spirit sent forth from heaven; which things angels desire to look into.
- Hebrews 6:11
And we desire that each one of you may show the same diligence unto the fulness of hope even to the end:
- John 16:7
Nevertheless I tell you the truth: It is expedient for you that I go away; for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I go, I will send him unto you.
- Isaiah 55:11
so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
- 1 Corinthians 1:24
but unto them that are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
- 1 Corinthians 10:33
even as I also please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of the many, that they may be saved.
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