As we read the words of the Apostle Paul in his letter to the Christians in Philippi, it is difficult to picture him writing from a Roman prison. Paul, incarcerated for the crime of being an unapologetic missionary, is reaching out to the first church he established on the continent of Europe. From his opening words, we are able to sense flowing from the Apostle’s heart, the strong love, confident hope and earnest desire to minister to these believers. We can learn much about the relationship between leaders and followers from Paul’s opening words. Overshadowing Paul’s dark circumstances in prison are his powerful words meant to convey faith-building expectations over the entire group of believers in Philippi. Let us all be encouraged because Paul’s words to them have become God’s words to us today.