Follower
Following as Imitation
When the New Testament speaks of being a "follower," it uses the Greek word 'mimetes,' from which we get the English word "mimic." This is not passive following from a distance but active, intentional imitation. Paul boldly told the Corinthians, "Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ" (1 Corinthians 11:1). The call to follow in the biblical sense means to study, absorb, and reproduce the pattern of life demonstrated by faithful examples — ultimately the pattern of Christ Himself.
Paul's Call to Imitation
The apostle Paul frequently urged believers to become his imitators. To the Corinthians, he wrote, "I urge you, then, be imitators of me" (1 Corinthians 4:16), appealing to his own example of sacrificial service and suffering for the gospel. To the Philippians, he said, "Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us" (Philippians 3:17). Paul was not being arrogant; he knew that new believers needed tangible, living examples of what the Christian life looked like in practice.
Following God's Own Example
The highest call to imitation comes in Ephesians 5:1: "Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children." This astonishing command places the standard of imitation at the highest possible level — God Himself. The context makes clear what this means in practice: walking in love, "as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us" (Ephesians 5:2). To follow God is to love sacrificially, to forgive generously, and to live in holiness. Jesus had already taught this principle when He said, "Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful" (Luke 6:36).
The Thessalonians as Model Followers
Paul commended the Thessalonian church for exemplifying true following. "You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit" (1 Thessalonians 1:6). Their imitation was not superficial; they embraced the gospel despite persecution, just as Paul and the Lord Himself had suffered. Moreover, they in turn became examples to other believers: "So that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia" (1 Thessalonians 1:7). This chain of imitation — from Christ to Paul to the Thessalonians to other churches — illustrates how the faith spreads through lived example.
Following the Faith of Spiritual Leaders
The book of Hebrews calls believers to imitate the faith of their leaders: "Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith" (Hebrews 6:12; 13:7). This instruction recognizes that faith is not merely intellectual assent but a way of life that can be observed and replicated. The great catalog of faith in Hebrews 11 provides a gallery of such examples — men and women whose trust in God shaped their actions and whose stories continue to inspire imitation.
Zealous for Good
Peter adds another dimension to the concept when he writes, "Who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good?" (1 Peter 3:13). The word used here, 'zelotes,' suggests not just following but passionate enthusiasm for righteousness. The biblical follower is not a reluctant disciple dragged along by obligation but an eager imitator who pursues goodness with energy and joy. This zealous following transforms communities, shapes character, and advances the kingdom of God.
Biblical Context
The concept of following/imitating appears in 1 Corinthians 4:16 and 11:1 (imitating Paul), Ephesians 5:1 (imitating God), 1 Thessalonians 1:6 and 2:14 (the Thessalonians as imitators), Philippians 3:17 (joint imitators), Hebrews 6:12 and 13:7 (imitating leaders' faith), and 1 Peter 3:13 (zealous for good). The concept extends to the Gospels where Jesus calls disciples to follow Him (Matthew 4:19; 16:24).
Theological Significance
The call to be followers/imitators reveals that Christianity is not merely a set of beliefs but a way of life to be embodied and transmitted. God's plan for spiritual growth involves living examples: Christ models the Father, apostles model Christ, and mature believers model the faith for others. This chain of imitation ensures that the gospel is not just preached but demonstrated, making the invisible God visible through the lives of His people.
Historical Background
The concept of imitation was well established in the Greco-Roman world. Greek philosophers, particularly in the Platonic tradition, emphasized mimesis (imitation) as central to education and moral formation. Disciples of philosophers were expected to imitate their teacher's way of life, not just absorb their ideas. Paul adopted this cultural framework but transformed it: the ultimate model for imitation is not a human philosopher but Christ Himself, and the power to imitate comes not from human effort but from the Holy Spirit.