“I beseech you therefore (as your father), be imitators of me.” γίνεσθε (pr [766] impr.) signifies, in moral exhortations, be in effect, show yourselves (cf. Ephesians 4:32; Ephesians 5:17). μιμηταὶ γίνεσθε demands, beyond μιμεῖσθε, a character formed on the given model. Imitation is the law of the child's life; cf. Ephesians 5:1; and for the highest illustration, John 5:17-20. It is one thing to say “I am of Paul” (1 Corinthians 1:12), another to tread in Paul's steps. The imitation would embrace, in effect, much of what was described in 1 Corinthians 4:9 ff.

[766] present tense.

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Old Testament