Although some commentators understand gospel
as a reference to the act of preaching,1,2 it seems more appropriate to understand it as the message of salvation. This is the more common meaning of the Greek word εὐαγγέλιον, and is fully in accord with the phraseology here. The statement our gospel [i.e., our message] came to you
is perfectly natural; it would be less natural to speak of an act of preaching coming
to the hearers.3,4
5 because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.