1 Corinthians 11:1
Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.
Original Language Analysis
γίνεσθε
Be
G1096
γίνεσθε
Be
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
3 of 6
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
Cross References
Philippians 3:17Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.1 Corinthians 4:16Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.Hebrews 6:12That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.1 Thessalonians 1:6And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:2 Thessalonians 3:9Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.
Historical Context
Written around AD 55 from Ephesus, 1 Corinthians addressed a church fractured by factions, immorality, and misuse of freedom. Corinth was a wealthy commercial port where Greek philosophical pride met Roman social stratification. Paul planted this church during his 18-month ministry there (Acts 18:1-18, circa AD 50-51). The letter responds to oral reports (1:11, 11:18) and written questions (7:1) about controversies dividing the congregation.
Questions for Reflection
- In what specific areas is God calling you to limit your freedom for the sake of weaker believers' consciences?
- How does Paul's pattern of imitating Christ challenge modern individualism and the 'authentic self' narrative?
- Who are you discipling through the example of your life, and what are they learning from watching you?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ (μιμηταί μου γίνεσθε, καθὼς κἀγὼ Χριστοῦ)—Paul uses mimētai (imitators), calling believers to pattern their lives after his example. This is not arrogance but apostolic authority grounded in his own imitation of Christ. The comparative kathōs kagō (even as I also) shows the chain of discipleship: Christ → Paul → Corinthians.
This verse concludes Paul's discussion of Christian liberty (chapters 8-10), where he modeled self-limitation for others' sake—refusing idol meat (8:13), forgoing apostolic rights (9:12-18), becoming all things to all people (9:19-23). Paul's life embodied the cross-shaped wisdom he preached (1:18-25). His call to imitation is specifically Christological imitation: self-sacrificing love that seeks others' edification over personal freedom. The Corinthians, obsessed with their rights and status, needed a lived model of cruciform discipleship.