Why does Paul say 'be followers of me' to the Philippians?
Paul calls the Philippians to imitate him because he had sacrificially suffered for the gospel, and they too had experienced God's saving grace and given up much for it. He wanted them to follow his example willingly and to mark others who walked the same way.
Les explains that the Philippians had loved the apostle, likely because he nearly went into physical death in Philippi and they nursed him back to strength, so he had a warm spot in his heart for them. In verse 17 he says, "Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them who walk so as you have us for an example," referring to himself and also to Timothy and Titus and so forth. Les notes that they had experienced God's saving grace, suffered for the sake of the gospel, and given up so much for the gospel; therefore Paul says, "be willing to follow me for the sake of the gospel." Les also connects this with Galatians 4, where Paul beseeches them, "be as I am, for I am as you are," and reminds them that despite his fleshly infirmities they received him as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus.
Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.
More Questions
What does Paul tell the Philippians to do in Philippians 3:17?
Paul commands the brethren to be followers together of him and to mark those who walk as he and his companions (Timothy, Titus) walked, having them as an example.
Which verses tell believers to be followers of Paul?
Three verses in a row say the same thing — 'be ye followers of me' — found in 1 Corinthians 4, Philippians 3, and 1 Corinthians 11.
What does it mean to be a follower of Paul?
When Paul says 'be ye followers of me,' he means that we should burn with the same desire to see more people come to a knowledge of salvation.
What does Philippians 3 tell believers to do about following Paul's example?
In Philippians chapter 3 Paul tells believers to be followers together of him and to mark those who walk as an example, so that believers would walk in his footsteps as he followed Christ.