Be Imitators of Me

The command "be imitators of me, as I also am of Christ" belongs conceptually with the argument of 8:1-10:33 rather than introducing the head-covering discussion. Paul has just described his willingness to surrender legitimate freedoms so as not to place obstacles before others and to seek their salvation. Mimēsis, "imitation," therefore concerns a pattern of self-limitation shaped by Christ rather than personal admiration or replication of every feature of Paul's life.

The qualification "as I also am of Christ" makes Christ the controlling norm of the imitation. Paul can offer himself as an example only insofar as his conduct corresponds to Christ's self-giving pattern. Similar imitation language appears elsewhere in the letter, especially in 4:16, where Paul appeals to his role as the Corinthians' founding apostle. The present verse closes the argument about food, freedom, and concern for others while also providing a transition into questions of conduct in the worshiping assembly.

1 Corinthians 11 opens a new section dealing with practices in the gathered church. Verse 1 concludes Paul's preceding appeal to imitate his self-limiting pattern as he imitates Christ. Verses 2-16 then address men and women who pray and prophesy in the assembly, focusing on appropriate head covering, honor and shame, creation, and the relation between man and woman. The passage assumes women's active verbal participation in worship while regulating its social presentation.

Verses 17-34 turn to abuses at the Lord's Supper. Wealthier members appear to be eating ahead of poorer believers, reproducing social divisions within the church's common meal. Paul responds by transmitting the tradition of Jesus' words over the bread and cup and by interpreting the meal as proclamation of the Lord's death until his coming. The chapter therefore connects worship practices with communal identity, mutual honor, the body of Christ, and eschatological accountability.