Paul often calls on his charges to follow his example or commends them for already doing so (4:6, 16–17; 7:7; Gal. 4:12; Phil. 3:17; 4:9; 1 Thess. 1:6; 2 Thess. 3:6–9). This appeal was a common literary and hortatory motif in antiquity (B. Dodd 1999: 16–18; see also Fiore 1986: 26–163), but it takes a different twist in light of the divine command “Be holy, for I am holy” (Lev. 11:44–45; 19:2; 20:26; cf. Matt. 5:48) and Paul’s assertion that he follows the example of Christ. He is to be followed only insofar as he adheres to the divine standard set forth by Christ. As the Corinthians' founding apostle, he revealed that standard to them by preaching the crucified Christ and ing [sic] what that means. Following his example in this instance entails two things: (1) submitting to his authority (see Michaelis, TDNT 4:668–69) and his injunctions to dissociate themselves from anything overtly connected to idolatry; and (2) imitating his personal example by forgoing the exercise of perceived rights so that one achieves a greater benefit for others.
See David E. Garland, 1 Corinthians, Baker Exegetical Commentary Series. Grand Rapids, Baker Academic, 2013 edition (eBook).
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