16 Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.
16 Therefore I urge you to imitate me.
16 I urge you, then, be imitators of me.
16 I'm not, you know, asking you to do anything I'm not already doing myself.
16 Therefore I urge you, imitate me.
16 So I urge you to imitate me.
111 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.
111 Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.
111 Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.
111 It pleases me that you continue to remember and honor me by keeping up the traditions of the faith I taught you. All actual authority stems from Christ.
111 Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.
111 And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.
(Read 1 Corinthians 11:1)
The first verse of this chapter seems properly to be the close to the last. The apostle not only preached such doctrine as they ought to believe, but led such a life as they ought to live. Yet Christ being our perfect example, the actions and conduct of men, as related in the Scriptures, should be followed only so far as they are like to his.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 4:16
Commentary on 1 Corinthians 4:14-21
(Read 1 Corinthians 4:14-21)
In reproving for sin, we should distinguish between sinners and their sins. Reproofs that kindly and affectionately warn, are likely to reform. Though the apostle spoke with authority as a parent, he would rather beseech them in love. And as ministers are to set an example, others must follow them, as far as they follow Christ in faith and practice. Christians may mistake and differ in their views, but Christ and Christian truth are the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever. Whenever the gospel is effectual, it comes not in word only, but also in power, by the Holy Spirit, quickening dead sinners, delivering persons from the slavery of sin and Satan, renewing them both inwardly and outwardly, and comforting, strengthening, and establishing the saints, which cannot be done by the persuasive language of men, but by the power of God. And it is a happy temper, to have the spirit of love and meekness bear the rule, yet to maintain just authority.