Applying Paul's Imitation of Christ Without Idolizing Human Examples
Imitating Christ Through Human Examples
The apostle Paul's exhortation to the Corinthians, "Be imitators of me, as I also am of Christ" [2, 3], presents a nuanced challenge for Christians seeking to follow Christ. On one hand, Paul encourages believers to emulate his own example, while on the other, he carefully qualifies this by stating that he himself imitates Christ. This raises important questions about the role of human examples in Christian discipleship.
Paul's approach to imitation is rooted in his understanding of his own relationship with Christ. As John Chrysostom notes, Paul "puts himself forward" as an example because his discourse is addressed to "weak persons" who need a more tangible model to follow [4]. This is not to say that Paul sees himself as an equal to Christ, but rather that he is a imperfect reflection of Christ's character.
The biblical text emphasizes that human examples should not be idolized. Peter warns against "lording it over" others, instead encouraging leaders to be "examples for the flock" [1]. This caution is echoed in the Reformed tradition, where Calvin notes that the power of God is infinite and cannot be represented by any image or likeness [9]. The danger of idolizing human examples is that it can lead to a focus on the individual rather than on Christ.
In the Eastern Orthodox tradition, John Chrysostom interprets Paul's exhortation as an encouragement to emulate the virtues of Christ. Chrysostom argues that Paul's example is not to be followed blindly, but rather as a means of imitating Christ [7]. This is in line with the Methodist/Wesleyan perspective, where Adam Clarke emphasizes that the "only rule for a Christian is the word of Christ; the only pattern for his imitation is the example of Christ" [5].
The Nonconformist/Puritan tradition, represented by Matthew Henry, sees Paul's statement as a fitting conclusion to his argument about the abuse of liberty. Henry notes that Paul's example is to be followed "as he also is of Christ," emphasizing the importance of Christ as the ultimate model for Christian behavior [6].
In applying Paul's exhortation, Christians must be mindful of the distinction between imitating human examples and idolizing them. As Jamieson, Fausset & Brown note, believers are to be "imitators together" of Christ, with Paul and other leaders serving as examples to be emulated insofar as they imitate Christ [8]. This nuanced understanding of imitation allows Christians to learn from human examples while maintaining a proper focus on Christ as the ultimate model for discipleship.
The historical development of this doctrine is closely tied to the early Christian church's understanding of discipleship and leadership. The patristic writers, such as John Chrysostom, played a significant role in shaping the church's understanding of the role of human examples in Christian discipleship.
Sources
- I Peter “I Peter 5:3 (LEB) — and not as lording it over ⌞those under your care⌟, but being examples for the flock.”
- 1 Corinthians “1 Corinthians 11:1 (NASB) — Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.”
- I Corinthians “I Corinthians 11:1 (LITV) — Be imitators of me, as I also of Christ.”
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on 1 & 2 Corinthians: a great one.’ For the difference between me and you is not so great as between Christ and me: and yet I have imitated Him.” On the other hand, writing to the Ephesians, he interposes no mention of himself, but leads them all straight to the one point, “Be ye imitators of God,” is his word. ( Ephes. v. 1 .) But in this place, since his discourse was addressed to weak persons, he puts himself in by the way. And besides, too, he signifies that it is possible even thus to imitate Christ. For he who copies the perfect impression of the seal, copies th”
- Galatians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Galatians 6:4: Prove his own work - Let him examine himself and his conduct by the words and example of Christ; and if he find that they bear this touchstone, then he shall have rejoicing in himself alone, feeling that he resembles his Lord and Master, and not in another - not derive his consolation from comparing himself with another who may be weaker, or less instructed than himself. The only rule for a Christian is the word of Christ; the only pattern for his imitation is the example of Christ. He should not compare himself with others; they are not his standard. Christ hath ”
- 1 Corinthians (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on 1 Corinthians 11:1: Paul, having answered the cases put to him, proceeds in this chapter to the redress of grievances. The first verse of the chapter is put, by those who divided the epistle into chapters, as a preface to the rest of the epistle, but seems to have been a more proper close to the last, in which he had enforced the cautions he had given against the abuse of liberty, by his own example: Be ye followers of me, as I also am of Christ (Co1 11:1), fitly closes his argument; and the way of speaking in the next verse looks like a transition to another. But, whether it ”
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on Acts & Romans: this to heart, stand nobly; for Paul was a man, partaking of the same nature with us, and having everything else in common with us. But because he showed such great love toward Christ, he went up above the Heavens, and stood with the Angels. And so if we too would rouse ourselves up some little, and kindle in ourselves that fire, we shall be able to emulate that holy man. For were this impossible, he would never have cried aloud, and said, “Be ye imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” ( 1 Cor. xi. 1 .) Let us not then admire him only, or be struck with”
- Philippians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Philippians 3:17: followers--Greek, "imitators together." of me--as I am an imitator of Christ (Co1 11:1): Imitate me no farther than as I imitate Christ. Or as BENGEL "My fellow imitators of God" or "Christ"; "imitators of Christ together with me" (see on Phi 2:22; Eph 5:1). mark--for imitation. which walk so as ye have us for an ensample--In English Version of the former clause, the translation of this clause is, "those who are walking so as ye have an example in us." But in BENGEL'S translation, "inasmuch as," or "since," instead of "as."”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Isaiah, Vol. 3, section 8.30: in guarding the Jews against distrust, at the same time condemns the superstitions of the Gentiles, and declares that it is inconsistent with the nature of God to be represented by painting or by any kind of likeness. This shews clearly that Paul’s doctrine fully agrees with it; for the Prophet, after having shewn that the power of God is infinite, since he holds all things in his fist, at length concludes, “To whom then will ye liken me? for no image that is formed will have any likeness or resemblance to me.” Or, what resemblance will you a”