First European Christians

Paul’s relationship with the Philippians is one of exceptional peace and harmony. He fell in love with his newly founded Philippian church and his epistle to them is among the most emotional of his writings. He wrote: “I give thanks to my God every time I think of you, which is constantly, in every prayer I utter, rejoicing, as I plead on your behalf, at the way you have all continually helped promote the gospel from the very first day … I hold all of you dear … God himself can testify how much I long for each of you with the affection of Christ Jesus! (Phil 1:3-8).