Why does Paul say to follow him instead of just saying follow Jesus?
Paul directs believers to follow him because he himself follows the ascended Christ, and he does not place himself above other believers. He identifies as a sinner saved by grace, just like the Galatians and Corinthians, so his example is one of following Christ, not self-exaltation.
Les explains that Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 4:16 and other Corinthian letters that believers were to follow his example. Paul was an apostle, yet he did not put himself above the ordinary believer; he called himself a sinner saved by grace, just like the Galatians who came out of paganism, while he came out of Judaism. In the final analysis there was no difference, for all are without God. Les teaches that Paul says to follow him because he is following the ascended Christ, and we follow Paul.