1 Corinthians 4:16 kjv
Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.
1 Corinthians 4:16 nkjv
Therefore I urge you, imitate me.
1 Corinthians 4:16 niv
Therefore I urge you to imitate me.
1 Corinthians 4:16 esv
I urge you, then, be imitators of me.
1 Corinthians 4:16 nlt
So I urge you to imitate me.
1 Corinthians 4 16 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Cor 11:1 | "Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ." | Following spiritual example |
| Phil 3:17 | "Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us." | Following faithful examples |
| 1 Thess 1:6 | "And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, with much joy of the Holy Spirit," | Imitating faith and joy |
| Heb 13:7 | "Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith." | Immitating leaders' outcome |
| 1 Peter 5:3 | "not lording it over the charge granted to you, but being examples to the flock." | Pastoral example |
| 1 Cor 4:1-2 | Paul discussing his ministry and faithfulness | Basis for imitation |
| John 13:15 | "For I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you." | Christ's example |
| Gal 4:12 | "I implore you, brothers, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You did me no wrong," | Desire for unity in Christ |
| 1 Cor 10:31-33 | "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved." | Pleasing others for salvation |
| Phil 2:3-5 | "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus," | Humility and selflessness |
| 1 Cor 3:11 | "For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ." | Christ as foundation |
| Acts 17:11 | "Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica, they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so." | Eagerness and examination |
| Col 3:17 | "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." | Doing all in Jesus' name |
| 2 Cor 7:2 | "Make room for us in your hearts. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have defrauded no one." | Integrity of apostles |
| 2 Cor 10:1 | "I, Paul, myself entreat you, by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—I who am humble when face to face with you, but bold toward you when away!" | Paul's character appeal |
| Eph 4:1-3 | "I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love," | Manner worthy of calling |
| Rom 12:3 | "For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned." | Sober judgment |
| Gal 5:25-26 | "If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us not become conceit, provoking one another, envying one another." | Walking by the Spirit |
| 1 Cor 10:13 | "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation will also provide a way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." | God's faithfulness |
| John 1:16 | "For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace." | Receiving from Christ |
1 Corinthians 4 verses
1 Corinthians 4 16 Meaning
This verse is an exhortation for believers to imitate the spiritual example of Paul, not his personal failings. It underscores the importance of looking to those who are living godly lives as guides for one's own faith journey. The apostle sets himself up as a model, urging the Corinthians to follow his conduct as he follows Christ, emphasizing spiritual maturity and steadfastness in faith.
1 Corinthians 4 16 Context
In 1 Corinthians chapter 4, Paul addresses divisions within the Corinthian church. He confronts arrogance and partisanship that had arisen from their overemphasis on human leaders, including himself, Apollos, Cephas, and Christ. Paul clarifies that apostolic ministry is about stewardship and faithfulness to God, not about personal greatness or worldly wisdom. He contrasts the apostolic ministry with worldly power and reputation. He has just explained that while the Corinthians have many instructors, they have only one spiritual father, and that even he, despite his apostolic authority, acknowledges his own human limitations and dependence on God. This verse serves as a direct application of his earlier instruction for them to be humble and not to go beyond what is written.
1 Corinthians 4 16 Word Analysis
- “Be imitators”: This translates the Greek verb mimetes (μιμηταὶ), which means "imitators" or "followers." It implies more than just a superficial copy; it suggests internalizing and practicing the qualities of the one being imitated.
- This word group also appears in 1 Corinthians 11:1 ("Be imitators of me...") and Hebrews 13:7 ("imitate their faith").
- “of me”: Refers to Paul himself, specifically his conduct and way of life as a follower of Christ.
- “as”: A conjunction introducing a subordinate clause, indicating the standard or pattern for imitation.
- “I am”: Referring to Paul's own commitment and allegiance.
- “of Christ”: The ultimate and supreme model for Paul's life. His imitation of Christ is the foundation and source of his own character and ministry.
Word Group Analysis
- “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.”: This entire phrase forms a crucial relational principle. It links the Corinthians' imitation of Paul directly to Paul's imitation of Christ. Paul is not presenting himself as a perfect, final authority, but as a disciple walking in the footsteps of Jesus. This encourages accountability for Paul and points the Corinthians to the ultimate source of spiritual truth and practice. It's an argument for discipleship – following those who faithfully follow Christ.
1 Corinthians 4 16 Bonus Section
The context of 1 Corinthians 4 highlights the fragility of human pride, even within the church. Paul had earlier emphasized that Apollos and he are merely servants through whom the Corinthians believed (1 Cor 3:5). He now uses this direct exhortation to imitate him, with the caveat "as I am of Christ," to show that true spiritual authority comes from allegiance to Christ. This instruction implicitly challenges any Corinthian who felt they had reached a state of spiritual perfection, implying that they too should have an imitable spiritual path grounded in Christ. The encouragement to follow Paul’s example also underscores the practical outworking of faith; spirituality is lived out daily, not just intellectually held.
1 Corinthians 4 16 Commentary
Paul calls the Corinthians to follow his example. This is not an act of pride, but a shepherd's care. He sets himself as a pattern because his pattern is Christ. The Corinthian believers were deeply divided, elevating certain leaders (including Paul) to positions that fostered arrogance and sectarianism. Paul wants them to understand that true spirituality isn't found in exclusive loyalty to a personality, but in faithfulness to the gospel, modeled on Christ. His example is offered so they might grow in faith and maturity, remembering his life lived for God. This serves as a check against spiritual pride and a redirection towards Christ-centered living. It’s a call to adopt a spiritual lifestyle, not just intellectual assent.