Even though the Greek word here sounds like dynamite power, it is far more than an explosive moment. It means strength from God s Word that brings about ongoing, life changing results. That s the way Paul had received the Word of God, and he was never the same again. His character changed, desires changed, allegiances changed, life goals changed. These people had a life change which resulted in much assurance that they were born again.
Churches grow when their members have been truly born again.
They turned to God with a faith that was manifested by serving God, not self. This service was real, as opposed to artificial, because it was given out of worship and devotion to God, with a passion like they had served the idols of this world before being saved. This service was real because its goal was the promised appearing of the Savior who delivered them from the wrath to come. Here was labor that was energetically devoted, and eternity directed. Churches grow when their members have the right motivation and objective to their labor.