1 Corinthians 4:16

Modern

Therefore I urge you to imitate me.

Traditional

Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.

Literal

Therefore I exhort you, become imitators of me.

Latin

Rogo ergo vos, imitatores mei estote, sicut et ego Christi.

Greek

English

Therefore I urge you to imitate me.

As their spiritual father who first shared the good news about Jesus, Paul shows his true concern for their well-being (see 1 Thessalonians 2:11–12). As his beloved children, they should listen to him and follow his example and teachings (see 1 Corinthians 11:1; Galatians 4:12; Philippians 3:17; 4:9; 1 Thessalonians 1:6; 2 Thessalonians 3:7–9).

Paul ends this part about divisions in the church with kind, fatherly advice and a warning (1 Corinthians 1:10–4:21).

Paul criticizes the Corinthian Christians for their arrogance (1 Corinthians 4:6–13) and then advises them like a father (4:14–21).

Theme notes and profiles

2 Thessalonians 3:9
Not that we lack this right, but we wanted to offer ourselves as an example for you to imitate.
1 Corinthians 11:1
You are to imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.
Philippians 3:17
Join one another in following my example, brothers, and carefully observe those who walk according to the pattern we set for you.
1 Thessalonians 1:6
And you became imitators of us and of the Lord when you welcomed the message with the joy of the Holy Spirit, in spite of your great suffering.
Hebrews 13:7
Remember your leaders who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.
Philippians 4:9
Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me, put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
John 10:4–5
When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.
1 Peter 5:3
…not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.