Q&A Home > S > St. Paul

Could Your Grace elaborate on St. Paul's words in the Holy Book of 1 Cor 11:1 (NKJV) "Imitate me, just as I also [imitate] Christ."

This verse is better understood when read with the preceding chapter. It is the conclusion of the discussion the apostle had been carrying on in this and the previous chapters. In the preceding verse St. Paul says, "Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved" (1 Cor 10:33). St. Paul gave a long list of things the Corinthians ought to do; and concluded that he himself was an example before their eyes and their guide. He did not ask them to do something he himself did not do. It is well to a servant to urge others to a life of self-denial and holiness, by his own manner of living, and by what example he himself offers in his daily walk and conversation. St. Paul explains that he is trying to please others in order to lead them to the Lord as He Himself did, "Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification. For even Christ did not please Himself" (Rom 15:2-3), but gave Himself for us, laying aside His divine glory and dying as a man for our salvation.  

Our Lord Jesus Christ taught us to be the light of the world that "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven" (Mt 5:16). God knows we are all sinners, yet he wants us to strive and be role models to others.