and that our Gospel came to you not in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and with much assurance. You know what kind of men we showed ourselves to be among you for your sake.
What manner of men we showed ourselves ...  It seems to this writer that commentators make too much of this and other passages in the letter which might be construed as Paul's defense against "charges."  Barclay made a list of these, compiling them from references in  1 Thessalonians 2.