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Connecting Statement:
Paul continues to give thanks for the believers at Thessalonica and praises them for their faith in God.
Brothers
Here this means fellow Christians, including both men and women.
we know
The word "we" refers to Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy but not the Thessalonian believers. (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive)
not in word only
Not only through the activity of preaching God's message. (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche)
but also in power, in the Holy Spirit
Possible meanings are 1) the Holy Spirit gave Paul and his companions the ability to preach the gospel powerfully or 2) the Holy Spirit made the preaching of the gospel have a powerful effect among the Thessalonian believers or 3) the Holy Spirit demonstrated the truth of the gospel preaching by means of miracles, signs, and wonders.
what kind of men
"how we conducted ourselves when"