1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. 2 Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you. (1 Corinthians 11:1-2 KJV)
Keep the Ordinance
Paul, having answered the previous questions, proceeds in this chapter to correct certain disorders. The first verse, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1), seems better connected with the last chapter, where Paul had just urged believers to avoid abusing their Christian liberty by following his example. Whether it belongs to the previous chapter or this one, it shows that Paul not only preached sound doctrine but also lived a life worthy of imitation. Ministers are most effective when they can sincerely ask their hearers to follow their example. Yet Paul did not call for blind imitation—believers should follow him only as he followed Christ, whose pattern alone is perfect (Philippians 3:17; 1 Peter 2:21).
Before Paul reproves an indecency in the Corinthian church, especially among the women. He begins by commending them for remembering him and keeping the ordinances as he had delivered them (1 Corinthians 11:2). Though some among them had strayed, many remained faithful to Christ’s institutions. It is wise, when reproving others, to first acknowledge what is commendable in them, for it shows that correction comes not from ill will but from love.