1 Corinthians 11:1

KJV

¶ Be ye followers of me, even as I also [am] of Christ.

KJV (with Strong's)

Be {G1096} ye followers {G3402} of me {G3450}, even as {G2531} I also {G2504} am of Christ {G5547}.

Complete Jewish Bible

try to imitate me, even as I myself try to imitate the Messiah.

Berean Standard Bible

You are to imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.

American Standard Version

Be ye imitators of me, even as I also am of Christ.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Corinthians 11:1 serves as a pivotal summary and transition in Paul's letter, urging the Corinthian believers to emulate his life and conduct. This command is not an assertion of personal authority for its own sake, but is immediately qualified by the crucial caveat: "even as I also [am] of Christ." This establishes Christ as the ultimate, non-negotiable standard for all Christian behavior and leadership, inviting believers into a transformative process of discipleship where human examples are valid only insofar as they faithfully reflect the perfect example of Jesus.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Paul's extensive discussion in [1 Corinthians 8-10](/1_corinthians/8-10 "1 Corinthians 8-10 - Christian Liberty and Responsibility") concerning Christian liberty, food sacrificed to idols, and the overarching principle of doing all things for the glory of God and the edification of others. In [1 Corinthians 10:31-33](/1_corinthians/10-31-33 "1 Corinthians 10:31-33 - Doing All for God's Glory and Others' Good"), Paul concludes by stating his own practice of seeking to please everyone in everything he does, not for his own profit, but for their salvation. [Verse 11:1](/1_corinthians/11-1 "1 Corinthians 11:1 - Be Followers of Paul as He is of Christ") then presents Paul's life as the practical embodiment of these principles, urging the Corinthians to emulate his example as he himself emulates Christ. It serves as a bridge, setting the stage for further instructions on church order and conduct, particularly concerning head coverings and the Lord's Supper, which follow in the subsequent verses.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Corinth was a prominent, wealthy, and morally diverse port city in the Roman Empire, characterized by its bustling trade, various philosophical schools, and numerous pagan cults, including the temple of Aphrodite. The Corinthian church, established by Paul, faced internal divisions, ethical challenges, and confusion regarding Christian freedom in a pagan society. The concept of a teacher or philosopher (like Paul) setting an example for his disciples was a familiar trope in the Greco-Roman world. Disciples would often "follow" or "imitate" their master's way of life. Paul leverages this cultural understanding but redefines it, grounding all imitation in Christ, thus distinguishing Christian discipleship from mere philosophical adherence or personality worship. His emphasis on unity, purity, and selfless love was a direct counter-cultural challenge to the individualism and moral relativism prevalent in Corinth.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Corinthians 11:1](/1_corinthians/11-1 "1 Corinthians 11:1 - Be Followers of Paul as He is of Christ") contributes significantly to several major themes throughout the Corinthian correspondence and Paul's broader theology. The primary theme is **Imitation of Christ**, which is presented as the ultimate standard for belief and behavior. Paul doesn't demand blind allegiance to himself but points beyond his own example to the perfect example of Jesus Christ, as seen in his earlier exhortation to be [imitators of God in Ephesians 5:1](/ephesians/5-1 "Ephesians 5:1 - Be Imitators of God"). This verse also highlights **Apostolic Authority and Example**, where Paul asserts his spiritual leadership not through dictatorial command but by presenting his own life as a pattern of Christian conduct, consistent with his call in [1 Corinthians 4:16](/1_corinthians/4-16 "1 Corinthians 4:16 - Paul's Call to Imitation"). Furthermore, it underscores the importance of **Discipleship and Mentorship** within the Christian walk, encouraging believers to learn from and follow those who genuinely strive to live according to Christ's teachings. Crucially, the verse establishes the principle of **Conditional Imitation**, where the qualifier "even as I also [am] of Christ" means no human leader, no matter how godly, is to be followed unconditionally; their example is valid only insofar as it aligns with Christ's perfect example.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **followers (Greek, _mimētḗs'_):** From the root _miméomai_, meaning "to imitate" or "to mimic." This word denotes an active, deliberate emulation, not merely passive observation. Paul is calling for the Corinthians to actively pattern their lives after his, just as he actively patterns his life after Christ's. It emphasizes a dynamic process of shaping one's character and conduct according to a chosen model.
* **Be ye (Greek, _gínomai'_):** A versatile verb meaning "to cause to be," "to become," or "to come into being." In this context, it implies a process of transformation and continuous action. It's not just about a one-time decision but a sustained commitment to embodying the characteristics of an imitator. The imperative "Be ye" underscores the active choice and ongoing effort required.
* **Christ (Greek, _Christós'_):** Meaning "Anointed One" or "Messiah." This is the pivotal figure in the verse, serving as the ultimate and perfect standard for imitation. By identifying himself as "of Christ," Paul grounds his entire life and ministry in the person and work of Jesus, making Christ the non-negotiable measure against which all human examples, including his own, must be judged.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Be ye followers of me":** This is a direct, imperative command from Paul, urging the Corinthian believers to actively pattern their lives after his. It implies that Paul's life, as an apostle, serves as a tangible and accessible example of what Christian living looks like in practice. This is not a call to personality worship but an invitation to adopt the principles and practices Paul has demonstrated, particularly in his selfless pursuit of God's glory and the salvation of others, as discussed in the preceding chapter.
* **"even as I also [am] of Christ":** This crucial qualifying clause immediately establishes the boundary and ultimate standard for the imitation Paul requests. His example is not absolute but conditional; it is only valid and worthy of emulation insofar as it aligns with, and is derived from, his own faithful following of Christ. This phrase prevents any potential for idolatry of human leaders and firmly places Christ as the supreme and perfect model for all believers. It highlights the hierarchical nature of true spiritual authority and discipleship.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Apostolic Imperative** is evident in Paul's direct command, "Be ye followers," which conveys his authority as an apostle to guide and instruct the church. The structure of the verse itself forms a powerful **Parallelism** or even a subtle **Chiasm** (A-B-B'-A'): "Followers (A) of me (B), even as (B') I also [am] of Christ (A')." This structure emphasizes the direct correspondence and hierarchical relationship between following Paul and following Christ. Most importantly, the phrase "even as" (καθώς - _kathṓs_) introduces a **Conditional Clause**, which is vital for understanding the verse's theological depth. This condition establishes the ultimate criterion for all imitation, ensuring that Christ remains the supreme and non-negotiable standard, preventing any human leader from becoming an end in themselves.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The theological weight of 1 Corinthians 11:1 lies in its articulation of the nature of Christian discipleship and spiritual authority. It asserts that genuine spiritual leadership is not self-serving but is characterized by a leader's own submission to Christ, thereby providing a living, tangible example for others to follow. This concept of imitation is central to New Testament ethics, emphasizing that faith is not merely intellectual assent but a transformative process of embodying Christ's character and conduct in daily life. It underscores the belief that sanctification involves actively patterning one's life after the divine example, with Christ as the ultimate prototype for redeemed humanity. The verse also implicitly warns against uncritical allegiance to human leaders, demanding discernment and a constant reference to the perfect standard of Jesus.

* [1 Corinthians 4:16](/1_corinthians/4-16 "1 Corinthians 4:16 - Paul's Call to Imitation")
* [Ephesians 5:1-2](/ephesians/5-1-2 "Ephesians 5:1-2 - Be Imitators of God")
* [1 Peter 2:21](/1_peter/2-21 "1 Peter 2:21 - Christ Our Example")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, 1 Corinthians 11:1 provides a profound challenge and a clear guideline for both leaders and followers within the church. It calls us to examine our own lives: are we living in a way that is worthy of imitation by others, and are we truly patterning our lives after Christ? This requires a deep commitment to personal integrity, obedience to God's Word, and a genuine pursuit of Christ-likeness in all areas of life, from our private thoughts to our public actions. For those in leadership, it serves as a powerful reminder that their authority is derived from Christ and is demonstrated through their own humble submission to Him. For those who follow, it encourages a healthy, discerning approach to leadership, recognizing that even the most respected spiritual guides are fallible and must always be measured against the perfect standard of Jesus Christ. This verse fosters a dynamic of Christ-centered discipleship where leaders guide by example, and followers strive for Christ-likeness above all else, ensuring that the focus remains on the Head of the Church.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Paul's conditional call to "follow me" inform our approach to spiritual leadership and mentorship today?**
* **In what specific areas of your life are you actively seeking to imitate Christ, and how might others perceive your example?**
* **What practical steps can you take to ensure that your example, both as a leader and a follower, consistently points others to Christ?**

### FAQ

**Why does Paul tell the Corinthians to follow him, and isn't that arrogant?**

Answer: Paul's instruction to "Be ye followers of me" might seem arrogant if taken in isolation, but the crucial second half of the verse, "even as I also [am] of Christ," provides the necessary qualification and context. Paul is not asking for blind allegiance or seeking personal glory. Instead, he is presenting his own life as a tangible, living example of what it means to follow Christ in practical terms. As an apostle, he had faithfully lived out the gospel principles he preached, often enduring hardship and self-sacrifice for the sake of the Corinthians' salvation (as seen in [1 Corinthians 9:19-23](/1_corinthians/9-19-23 "1 Corinthians 9:19-23 - Paul Becomes All Things to All People")). His authority was derived from his faithful adherence to Christ, making him a trustworthy model. This conditional statement ensures that Christ remains the ultimate standard, preventing any human leader from becoming an idol. It's an invitation to imitate Christ *through* observing a faithful human example, not an invitation to worship the human example itself.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
First Corinthians 11:1 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Himself. While Paul presents himself as an example, he immediately directs the gaze beyond himself to Christ, who is the ultimate and perfect prototype for all humanity. Jesus perfectly embodied God's will and character, living a life of perfect obedience, selfless love, and sacrificial service. He did not merely teach principles; He *was* the principle, the living Word made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). His life, culminating in His death and resurrection, provides the supreme example of humility ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - The Humility of Christ")), love ([John 15:13](/john/15-13 "John 15:13 - Greater Love Has No One Than This")), and obedience to the Father's will ([Hebrews 5:8](/hebrews/5-8 "Hebrews 5:8 - Jesus Learned Obedience")). Therefore, the call to "be followers of me, even as I also [am] of Christ" ultimately becomes a call to be transformed into the image of Christ ([Romans 8:29](/romans/8-29 "Romans 8:29 - Conformed to the Image of His Son")), reflecting His character and conduct in every aspect of our lives. He is the standard, the means, and the goal of all true discipleship.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Philippians 3:17

¶ Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.

1 Corinthians 4:16

Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.

1 Thessalonians 1:6

¶ And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:

Hebrews 6:12

That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

Ephesians 5:1

¶ Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;

Ephesians 5:2

And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

Philippians 2:4

Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.