1 Thessalonians 1:5

1:5 in that¹ our gospel did not come to you merely in words,² but in power and in the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction (surely you recall the character we displayed when we came among you to help you).³

1 Thessalonians 2:2

2:2 But although we suffered earlier and were mistreated in Philippi,⁴ as you know, we had the courage in our God to declare to you the gospel of God⁵ in spite of much opposition.

1 Thessalonians 2:4

2:4 but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we declare it, not to please people but God, who examines our hearts.

1 Thessalonians 2:8-9

2:8 with such affection for you⁶ we were happy⁷ to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us. 2:9 For you recall, brothers and sisters,⁸ our toil and drudgery: By working night and day so as not to impose a burden on any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God.

¹tn Or “because.”

²tn Or “speech,” or “an act of speaking.”

³tn Grk “just as you know what sort of people we were among you for your sakes.” Verse 5 reflects on the experience of Paul and his fellow preachers; v. 6 begins to describe the Thessalonians’ response.

⁴map For location see JP1-C1; JP2-C1; JP3-C1; JP4-C1.

⁵tn The genitive in the phrase τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τοῦ θεοῦ (to euangelion tou qeou, “the gospel of God”) could be translated as either a subjective genitive (“the gospel which God brings”) or an objective genitive (“the gospel about God”). Either is grammatically possible. This is possibly an instance of a plenary genitive (see ExSyn 119-21; M. Zerwick, Biblical Greek, §§36-39). If so, an interplay between the two concepts is intended: The gospel which God brings is in fact the gospel about himself. This same phrase occurs in vv. 8 and 9 as well.

⁶tn Grk “longing for you in this way.”

⁷tn Or “we are happy.” This verb may be past or present tense, but the context favors the past.

⁸tn Grk “brothers.” See note on the phrase “brothers and sisters” in 1:4.