FootnoteThe Greek city of Philippi was originally named after Philip of Macedon, the father of Alexander the Great. It was located on a major trade route and of strategic importance for the spread of the gospel. Paul brought the gospel there during his second missionary journey in his crossing from Asia to Greece (Acts 16), and founded the first Christian congregation on European soil. The wonderful letter that Paul wrote the believers there from prison in Rome has been termed his "epistle of joy" because of his contagious joy in the Lord which shines throughout.