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… Amongst the very first comers at an open-air service was a well-dressed, respectable young man. He took a position close to where we were standing. He evidently did not come prepossessed in our favour. He looked severely on us, and there were hard lines about his mouth, as though he were contending with internal passion. I saw this and said to him, "Do you know why we have come here today?" His reply was a prolonged stare at me. I took no notice of this, but said, "We have come to tell you and these gathered here about a Father in heaven who loves you." The effect upon the man was instantaneous. A whole battery of arguments could not have produced a more sudden effect than these few unpremeditated words. His face at once softened down; the stern, severe lines about his mouth melted away, and though he made no reply, I could see he was touched. He remained rooted to the spot, an earnest listener all the time we remained there. (J. Macgowan of Amoy.) 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. |
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