Word
of God
Man
does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth from
the mouth of God
Matthew
4:4
The
First Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Thessalonians 1:5
Study
notes by John Gill
Edited/Prefaced
by Doktor Riktor Von Zhades
5
For our Gospel was not unto you in word only, but also in power, and
in the holy Ghost, and in much assurance, as ye know after what
manner we were among you for your sakes.
Brethren:
The
next study will focus on Paul the Apostle’s two epistles to the
church at Thessalonia. It his hoped that you will follow along with
the same interest that you have in all previous studies.
In
the above verse, we read that Paul (and his companions), had traveled
to Thessalonia to preach the Gospel of Christ. He puts for the
proposition that not only was it revealed to them by the word of
mouth, but more importantly revealed to them by the Holy Spirit. That
same Spirit is all powerful (Read Psalm 149:6; Hebrews 4:12), whose
mere words can fulfill anything and all He desires to accomplish.
Also take note friends, that Paul did not come to “peddle” (Read
2 Corinthians 2:17; 2 Peter 2:3) this Gospel as others may have done,
for profit and fame. Nay, he came to bring them into the family of
Christ. Living among them, working, and preaching. - Dr. R.V.Z
“The
apostle calls the Gospel "our Gospel", not because he and
his fellow ministers were the authors of it; for in this respect it
is solely of God, being the produce of his wisdom and grace, and by
the revelation of Jesus Christ, hence he calls it the Gospel of God
not because they were the subject of it, for they preached not
themselves, but a crucified Christ, and him only, though it was a
stumbling block to some, and foolishness to others (Read Romans
14:13; 1 Corinthians 1:23), but because it was committed to their
trust, and they were the preachers of it, and agreed in the
ministration of it; and it is opposed to, and is distinct from, that
which was preached by the false teachers; and here intends not barely
the Gospel itself, but chiefly their preaching of it: and this came
unto them being sent of God, for wherever the Gospel comes, it comes
with a mission and commission from God; and being brought unto them
by the apostles, who were bringers and publishers of the good tidings
of good things, it came unthought of, unsought and unasked for by
them; and that not only externally, which to have is a great
blessing, but internally, (eiv umav) , "into you"; it came
not barely into their ears vocally, and into their heads notionally;
but into their hearts, and worked effectually there; it was mixed
with faith, and was profitable; it became the ingrafted word, and
dwelt richly in them: for it came to them not in word only; if it did
come in word, it could not come without words, there is no
interpreting of Scripture, no preaching of the Gospel, nor hearing of
it without words, without articulate sounds; but not only with these,
nor with wisdom of words, with enticing words of man's wisdom, with
words which man's wisdom teacheth; as also not in the mere notion and
letter of the Gospel, which when it comes in that manner is a dead
letter, and the saviour of death unto death.
Not
merely preached in a powerful way, or attended with miraculous
operations, though doubtless both were true; for the apostle was a
powerful preacher, and his ministry was confirmed by signs and
wonders and mighty deeds; but from neither of these could he conclude
the election of these people: but the preaching of the Gospel was
accompanied with the powerful efficacy of the grace of God, working
by it upon them; so that it became the power of God unto
salvation(Read Romans 1:16; 1 Peter 1:5) to them; it came to them in
the demonstration of the Spirit of God, and of power, quickening them
who were dead in trespasses, and sin, enlightening their dark
understandings, unstopping their deaf ears, softening their hard
hearts, and delivering them from the slavery of sin and Satan; from
whence it clearly appeared that they were the chosen of God, and
precious: and in the Holy Ghost; the Gospel was not only preached
under the influence, and by the assistance of the Holy Spirit, and
attended with his extraordinary gifts for the confirmation of it,
which it might be, and be no proof of the election of these persons
to eternal life; but it came by the power of the Holy Spirit to their
souls, working and implanting his graces in them, as faith, hope, and
love, and every other; and he himself was received along with it, as
a spirit of illumination and conviction, of regeneration, conversion,
and sanctification, and of faith and adoption; all which gave full
evidence of their election.” - John Gill Theologian
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