The most important models Paul urges his readers to imitate are those of himself, Christ, and God. He also directs his readers to the behavior of other individuals and occasionally reminds them of the example of other churches. There are also exhortations that his readers become "models" for others to imitate. Questions have been asked regarding the motivation behind Paul’s instruction.

The picture of the Christian life painted by the New Testament is rooted in union with Christ. This article shows that this understanding must serve as a paradigm for Christian ethics. The call to imitate Christ is the foundation of a biblical understanding of the Christian life.