[Greek] μιμέομαι (mimeomai), [Latin] imitari: to imitate, to follow, to mimic, to be obedient; 2Thes.3:7, Heb.13:7, 3Jon.11, 1Cor.4:16
Background Information:
Hellenism: In the Hellenistic cosmological thought, this Greek word mimeomai takes on the sense of to do what is seen to be done by someone else. In the 6th century, this term was commonly used in prose and poetry. Art, drama, painting, sculpture, music, and dancing can be forms of imitating. Yet, Plato thought that poets and painters were not mimics. They give expression of the idea. They copy reality, which is not an imitation of the idea.
Old Testament: This term, rarely found in the Septuagint, is used in the sense of imitating someone. On the whole, the idea of imitation is foreign to the Old Testament. Found in Wisdom 4:2 and 4 Maccabees, this term only applies to man but not to God. In Old Testament culture, there is no thought of man even imitating God. There was just too much difference between God and man.
New Testament: This term also primarily has the sense of to imitate. This can take on imitating man’s actions, whether good or bad. There is no thought of directly imitating Jesus. Instead, This imitation means fellowship with Jesus and following His example. What makes faith special is that it is maintained even in difficult circumstances. With this faith comes obedience. Paul also holds himself as a model for his congregation to follow.
Scripture:
“Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does what is good is of God; whoever does what is evil has never seen God.” 3 John 11
The writer provides a comparison between Diotrephes and Demetrius. Diotrephes, who is filled with ambition, does not receive the brothers. Demetrius, receiving a good report from all, is faithful.
“Remember your leaders who spoke the Word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.” Heb.13:7
The writer provides an example to follow. People should look to leaders who lead by example in their attitude in faith during the good times and bad times.
“Therefore, I urge you to be imitators of me.” 1Cor.4:16
Paul calls upon the Corinthians to look to show obedience to his instructions. Paul sends Timothy to remind them of his ways. Paul holds himself as a model whom his congregations should imitate.
Early Church: The early Church experienced both opposition and persecution. Understandably, this term takes on a greater significance than in the New Testament. The two important Church Fathers impacted by this were St. Ignatius and St. Polycarp. In his writings St. Ignatius makes reference to fellowship, discipleship of suffering, presenting examples of which not to follow, and martyrdom. All of St. Polycarp’s letters make reference to martyrdom.
Conclusion:
Mimic, mimeograph, imitate, imitation
I was surprised that the Hellenistic culture presented a rather philosophical attitude toward the idea of imitation. It was interesting to see the stark differences in how the Old Testament and New Testament cultures viewed the idea of imitation. This is certainly understandable in the Old Testament, when man often perceived God in a fearful and distant way. Instead, imitation concerned itself only with men’s affairs. It probably would have been a insurmountable barrier to overcome in order to have a more intimate relationship with God.
On the other hand, it goes without saying that Jesus is very much more approachable. Jesus calls us to come to Him and to follow His example (to follow Him).