Why does Paul say to follow him for the sake of the gospel?
Paul urges believers to follow his example because he and his companions had experienced God's saving grace, suffered for the sake of the gospel, and given up much for it. Their lives demonstrated willingness to sacrifice for the gospel, making them a pattern for others to imitate.
Les explains that the Philippian believers had loved the apostle, nursed him back to strength, and he had a warm spot in his heart for them. Paul then says, “Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them who walk so as you have us for an example,” referring to himself, Timothy, Titus, and others. The reason is that they had experienced God's saving grace, suffered for the sake of the gospel, and given up so much for the gospel. So Paul says, be willing to follow me for the sake of the gospel. Later, in Galatians 4, Paul beseeches them, “be as I am, for I am as you are,” and reminds them that through infirmities of the flesh he preached the gospel to them, and they received him as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus.