1. 1 Thessalonians 1:5 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

What can we deduce about the importance of words from this text?

1 Thessalonians 1:5 (ESV)

5 because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.

By writing not only in word—he does not write not with words—Paul makes clear that he did not despise the use of words. Though words alone were inadequate to bring about salvation, they were necessary nevertheless.1