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.
Our gospel - the gospel we preached.
Came, х egeneethee (G1096): 'proved'] - 'was made,' by God, its Author. God's having made it in respect to you to be attended with such "power" is the proof that you are 'elect of God' (1 Thessalonians 1:4).
In power - the Holy Spirit's efficacy clothing us with power (see end of verse; Acts 1:8; Acts 4:33; Acts 6:5; Acts 6:8; 1 Corinthians 2:4) in preaching the Gospel, and making it in you the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16). As "power" produces faith, so "the Holy Spirit," love; and "much assurance" (Colossians 2:2), hope (Hebrews 6:11), resting on faith (Hebrews 10:22): faith, love, and hope (1 Thessalonians 1:3). The "much assurance" is (Ellicott) on the part of the preachers. But in Colossians 2:2; Hebrews 6:11; Hebrews 10:22, the only other passages where the noun occurs, it is on the part of believers: however cf. Greek 2 Timothy 4:17.
As ye know - answering to "knowing;" i:e., as WE know (1 Thessalonians 1:4) your character as the elect of God, so YE know ours as preachers.
What manner of men we were, х egeneethemen (G1096)] - 'we proved.'
For your sake - with a view to your best interests: to win and confirm you. 1 Thessalonians 2:10-12 shows that, in "what manner of men we were among you," besides power in preaching, there is included also Paul's and his fellow-missionaries' conduct confirming their preaching: a strong motive to holy circumspection on the Thessalonians' part, so as to win those without (Colossians 4:5: cf. 1 Corinthians 9:19-23).