Even after “what was enough to have scared others” (Bengel). Such men were not likely to be “vain.” The marks of their ill-treatment at Philippi were fresh upon them at Thessalonica (as ye know). See Acts 16 and Acts 17:1.
In our God. — These words give the ground of their boldness — “in reliance on the God whom we felt to be in union with us.”
With much contention. — Rather, in the midst of much conflict arising from persecution.