1 Corinthians 11:1

Commentary on 1 Corinthians 11:1 (KJV)

1 Corinthians 11:1 reads, "Be ye followers of me, even as I also [am] of Christ." This succinct verse serves as a powerful summary and transition point in Paul's letter to the Corinthian church, encapsulating his consistent message of Christ-centered living.

Context

This verse immediately follows Paul's extensive discussion in 1 Corinthians 10 concerning Christian liberty, responsibility towards others, and the principle of doing all things for the glory of God and the edification of fellow believers. Paul has just concluded 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 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 sets the stage for further instructions on church order and conduct, particularly concerning head coverings and the Lord's Supper.

Key Themes

• Imitation of Christ: The core message is the call to imitate Christ 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.
• Apostolic Authority and Example: Paul asserts his spiritual leadership not through dictatorial command but by presenting his own life as a pattern of Christian conduct. He encourages the Corinthians to follow him inasmuch as he follows the Lord. This highlights the importance of godly leadership within the church.
• Discipleship and Mentorship: The verse underlines the value of mentorship in the Christian walk. Believers are encouraged to learn from and follow those who are genuinely striving to live according to Christ's teachings.
• Conditional Imitation: The crucial qualifier "even as I also [am] of Christ" establishes a vital principle: 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.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "followers" is mimētai (μιμηταί), from which we get the English word "mimic." It denotes an active, deliberate imitation or emulation, not just 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. This concept of imitation is central to Paul's teaching on Christian living; he frequently urges his converts to be imitators of God or to follow his example.

Related Scriptures

• Paul reiterates this call to imitation elsewhere, such as in 1 Corinthians 4:16, where he says, "Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me."
• The ultimate example is always Christ, as seen in passages like John 13:15 where Jesus says, "For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you," and 1 Peter 2:21, "For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps."
• The importance of discerning who to follow is also echoed in Hebrews 13:7, "Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation."

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Corinthians 11:1 provides a powerful challenge and a clear guideline. 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? It also reminds us to be discerning followers, recognizing that even the most respected spiritual leaders are fallible and must always be measured against the perfect standard of Jesus Christ. This verse encourages a healthy, Christ-centered discipleship where leaders guide by example, and followers strive for Christ-likeness above all else.