The Corinthians should imitate Paul because (and in so far as) he imitates Christ. Paul’s claim to be an imitator of Christ is not an absolute claim. Paul has in mind specific qualities of Christ, namely, his humility and self-denial (see Romans 15:2–3; Philippians 2:1–8). These are the qualities that Paul has been promoting in chapters 8—10.
1 Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.