King James Bible
"For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity."
Paul highlights that the Philippians' support reached him even when he was in Thessalonica, a major Macedonian city about 100 miles from Philippi. The word 'even' emphasizes their exceptional commitment, as supporting someone in another city required extra effort and expense. The phrase indicates multiple instances of support, not just a single gift. This pattern of repeated giving demonstrates the Philippians' consistent generosity and ongoing partnership in Paul's ministry. Paul acknowledges that their gifts met his actual material needs during his missionary work. By using 'necessity' rather than 'want,' he underscores that their support was essential for his survival and ministry, not merely supplemental.