Paul uses the word "gospel" here to mean his preaching of the gospel. Alternate translation: "as I began to preach the gospel" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
This can be stated in the positive. Alternate translation: "you were the only church that sent me money or helped me" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])