King James Bible
"Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only."
Paul reminds the Philippians of their shared history, referencing the early days of his ministry in their region around 50-51 AD. The phrase 'beginning of the gospel' marks when the Christian message first took root in Macedonia, emphasizing the Philippians' role as pioneers in supporting apostolic work. This refers to Paul's departure after establishing churches in Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea during his second missionary journey. The timing is significant because it was a vulnerable transition period when Paul needed material support to continue his mission elsewhere. Paul uses commercial language ('giving and receiving') to describe the financial partnership, highlighting the Philippians' unique generosity. While other churches remained uninvolved in supporting his ministry financially, the Philippians alone entered into this reciprocal relationship of material support and spiritual blessing.