Our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. (1 Thess. 1:5)
Expanded Passage: Thessalonians 1:4-5
Pax Romana, the peace of Rome, was proclaimed throughout the land. This gospel offered peace and prosperity for everyone in the empire. Trade and commerce flourished under this peace. Extensive road systems were built under this peace, ensuring safer travel and economic growth. But Roman peace came only from Roman power. Rome maintained this peace through violence, war, and oppression, which was hardly good news for those in the empire outside of Rome proper.
The gospel of Christ also offered peace for everyone who heard it. This gospel also came with power, but here we see a surprising difference. The peace of Christ, Pax Christi, did not use power to oppress and enslave people; rather, it offered true freedom.
The power of the gospel of Jesus Christ drove the apostle Paul to share this gospel with everyone across the Roman Empire. He had experienced Pax Christi firsthand. He experienced true liberation and salvation and dedicated his life to proclaiming this good news. The church in Thessalonica rejoiced at this good news and was filled with the Holy Spirit. Though they experienced persecution and suffering because of the gospel, they remained faithful just as Paul did.
The good news of Jesus Christ comes to us today with that same life-giving power. May we truly find it good news and be filled with the life-changing power of the Holy Spirit.
Proclaim the good news of the peace of Jesus Christ!
Mark Moore is an associate professor of theology at Jessup University (CA) and an associate pastor at Faith Legacy Church in Sacramento, CA.
© 2026 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
