"The gospel we brought you was such, not only in words. Miracles, the Holy Spirit, and plenty of everything, were given to you. You, also, know how we dealt with you, for your sake.
In return, you became followers of us, and of the LORD, when, on receiving the word, you experienced the joy of the Holy Spirit, in the midst of great opposition. And you became a model for the faithful of Macedonia and Achaia, since, from you, the word of the LORD spread to Macedonia and Achaia, and still farther. The faith you have in GOD has become news in so many places, that we need say no more about it. Others tell, of how you welcomed us, and turned from idols, and true GOD, and you wait for HIS Son, from heaven, whom HE raised from the dead, JESUS, who frees us from impending trial." - 1 Thessalonians 1:5-10
(The gospel we brought you was such not only in words. There were many signs, miracles and other manifestations in Thessalonica. Perhaps GOD increased the signs in view of the coming persecution; since very soon there would not be many with adequate formation to orient the community. In fact the Gospel cannot be proclaimed without GOD doing something to confirm it [Mark 16:17]. JESUS criticized those who came to HIM to see miracles, but HE performed miracles throughout HIS ministry. Let us not say: "I do not need miracles to believe." Human beings as we are, we will have quite a different enthusiasm if we see that GOD is beside us, doing the incredible to confirm HIS word.)
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