Albert Barnes Commentary 1 Corinthians 4:16

"I beseech you therefore, be ye imitators of me." — 1 Corinthians 4:16 (ASV)

Therefore. Since I am your spiritual father.

Be you followers of me. Imitate me; copy my example; listen to my admonitions.

Probably Paul particularly had in mind their tendency to form parties; and here admonishes them that he had no disposition to form sects, and entreats them in this regard to imitate his example.

A minister should always so live that he can, without pride or ostentation, point to his own example and entreat his people to imitate him.

He should have such confidence in his own integrity, lead such a blameless life, and be assured that his people have so much evidence of his integrity, that he can point them to his own example and entreat them to live like himself.

And to do this, he should live a life of piety and provide such evidence of pure conduct that his people may have reason to regard him as a holy man.