Why does Paul say to follow him instead of just saying to follow Jesus?
Paul instructs believers to follow him because he is following the ascended Christ. He does not elevate himself above other believers, calling himself a sinner saved by grace, but points to his own example as one who follows Christ. Thus, following Paul is following Christ.
Les teaches that Paul wrote to all his churches that they were to follow his example. Most people today say, “Follow Jesus,” but that is not what Paul writes. Paul says we are to follow him because he is following the ascended Christ, and we follow Paul. Paul did not put himself above the rank and file; he called himself a sinner saved by grace, just like the rest. The Galatians had come out of paganism, but Paul had come out of Judaism, and in the final analysis there was no difference: all were without God apart from grace.