Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 1 Thessalonians 1:5. It’s a really important passage about how the early Christians shared their message with us. Here’s a simple explanation: Basically, it means: “We weren’t just telling you about the gospel (the good news of Jesus) – we were also offering you something more than just words. We were giving you spiritual power and assurance that God was working through us.” Let's unpack that a little more: “For our gospel came not unto you in word only…” – This means the message we shared wasn’t just about what Jesus did, or what he taught. It was also about how He worked and what He was doing. We weren't just telling you about his teachings; we were showing you His power and presence. "...but also in power..." – This refers to the Holy Spirit working through us. The Holy Spirit is God’s active force, and it’s like a powerful helping hand that guides and empowers us to live a life that pleases God. "...and in the Holy Ghost..." - The Holy Ghost is often translated as “the spirit.” It's a very important part of the gospel – a guiding presence from God. "...and in much assurance…” – This is key! "Assurance" means having strong belief and confidence that something is true. We weren’t just sharing information; we were giving you assurance that God was working for your good, even if you didn't fully understand it yet. "...as ye know what manner of men among you for your sake." – This is a bit more figurative. “Among you” refers to the people who were following us – those who were trusting in us. "For your sake" means that we were being sent to them, and they needed this extra help and assurance. It’s saying we were offering it to them because we believed in God's plan for them. In short: The early Christians weren't just preaching about Jesus; they were showing you the power of God through them, and giving you strong reassurance that He was working for your benefit – all because they loved you! Think of it like this: Imagine someone teaching you a complex skill. You don’t just tell you what to do; you show you how to do it effectively and give you confidence in your ability to succeed. The early Christians were doing that with the gospel – offering you spiritual strength and assurance! --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific aspect of this verse in more detail? Give you some examples of how this principle applies to our lives today?