Why did Paul have such a special love for the Philippian believers?
Paul held a special affection for the Philippian believers because it was in Philippi that he had been sick in bed, almost under death, and those believers nurtured him and brought him through that illness. That experience gave him a tender spot in his heart for them.
Les teaches that Paul’s special love for the Philippian believers arose from his experience at Philippi: Paul was sick in bed, almost under death, and the Philippian believers nurtured him and brought him through. Because of that, Paul always had a real tender spot in his heart for them. He calls them dearly beloved and longed for, his joy and crown, and he tells them to stand fast. Les also points out that repetition in Scripture means emphasis, and the emphasis throughout Philippians is that in spite of trials and sufferings they could still have joy. That joy is one of the fruits of the Spirit, along with love and peace.
Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.