The Power of a Felt Gospel
T. Guthrie, D. D. 1 Thessalonians 1:5-10 For our gospel came not to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance… Once on a time an obscure man rose up to address the French Convention. At the close of his oration Mirabeau, the genius of the French Revolution, turned round to his neighbour and eagerly asked, "Who is that?" The other, who had been in no way interested in the address, wondered at Mirabeau's curiosity; whereupon the latter said, "That man will yet act a great part;" and added, on being asked for an explanation, "He speaks as one who believes every word he says." Much of the pulpit power under God depends on that — admits of that explanation, or of one allied to it. They make others feel who feel themselves. (T. Guthrie, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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. WEB: and that our Good News came to you not in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and with much assurance. You know what kind of men we showed ourselves to be among you for your sake.