There’s something about Paul that’s hard to ignore when you dig into his letters and life story. Here’s a man who was ridiculously zealous, not for himself but for Christ, and through him, we get a front-row seat to what it means to truly follow Jesus. But what does that mean for us today, especially if we see ourselves as grace believers who rightly divide the Word? Why exactly do we follow Paul as he followed Christ—and not just blindly, but thoughtfully and biblically?
Let’s get this straight: Paul never wanted people to worship him. He was clear that his authority came from the Lord, not from some human tradition or personal charisma. He even says in 1 Corinthians 11:1, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” That’s a bold statement. It’s not “Follow me because I’m awesome,” but “Follow me because I’m following the One who is.” That distinction is critical, especially when we live in a culture full of personality cults and spiritual influencers buzzing for attention. Paul’s example? It’s about pointing straight to Christ.
Paul’s Life Was a Masterclass in Grace
Look, Paul wasn’t just a Bible scholar or a traveling preacher with a killer missionary resume. He was a grace-drenched sinner saved by the mercy of God. Before his Damascus Road encounter, he was a Pharisee on steroids—hungry to stamp out the church, sure he was doing the “right” thing. But when Jesus knocked him off his high horse, everything changed fast. Paul didn’t earn grace; he was caught by it and carried forward by it.
This is why his letters resonate with grace more than legalism. For grace believers, Paul is not a strict taskmaster; he’s the poster child for God’s unmerited favor. He repeatedly emphasizes that righteousness comes through faith in Christ, not by the works of the law. That’s why when Paul writes about the law, he’s not throwing it under the bus to be ignored but placing it in its proper context—it’s a tutor leading us to Christ, not a checklist for salvation.
Rightly Dividing the Word: Paul’s Unique Role
This often trips people up. Some read Paul’s epistles and treat them as if they apply uniformly across every dispensation—Jew, Church, or future kingdom. But Paul himself makes a clear case that his message is a “mystery” revealed, particularly for the church, the body of Christ. He’s not just repeating Old Testament law or even the gospel preached to Israel exclusively. His teaching about grace and the believer’s identity in Christ is a fresh revelation tailored for those saved by grace through faith after the cross.
If you don’t keep that in mind, you risk blending covenantal promises with grace blessings in ways that confuse the gospel. Paul modeled how to handle the Word rightly—not twisting it to fit agendas but letting the context, audience, and revelation guide the interpretation. That’s why we follow Paul as he follows Christ: because he teaches us to honor God’s progressive unveiling of truth without mixing things that God has distinctly set apart.
What Does Following Paul Look Like?
It’s not about memorizing every doctrinal point or quoting scripture to win arguments. It’s about catching the spirit behind his walk with Christ. Paul’s life was marked by a relentless commitment to the gospel, an unshakable hope in grace, and a willingness to suffer for the sake of Christ’s name. He was brutally honest about his weaknesses and yet confident in God’s strength resting on him.
Following Paul means embracing humility and grace, not perfectionism. It means being ready to learn, to be corrected, and to grow in understanding. It means guarding against legalism but also against careless liberty that ignores God’s commands. It means knowing the Word deeply and applying it wisely—rightly dividing it—so the gospel stays pure and powerful.
Paul and the Freedom of Grace
Here’s a truth that Paul hammered home: grace isn’t a license to sin; it’s freedom from sin’s penalty and power. That’s a nuance often missed. If grace were a free pass to do whatever, Paul wouldn’t have written so passionately about living by the Spirit and not gratifying the flesh. Following Paul means recognizing that grace changes us, not just our status before God but our daily choices.
He understood that grace was the fuel for holy living—not the result of it. This flips the world’s logic on its head. We don’t perform to earn grace; we live because of the grace already given. That’s why Paul’s teachings ring so true for those who rightly divide the Word—he keeps the gospel central while acknowledging the transformative work it produces in believers’ lives.
When Paul Points Beyond Himself
Every time Paul signs off a letter, he’s quick to redirect the glory to Christ. That’s not humble boasting; it’s theological clarity. Paul knew that following him only made sense if he was following Jesus first. If you follow Paul, you have to follow him in that same order—follow Christ first, then follow Paul as one who imitates Christ.
It’s tempting to idolize Paul or to use his authority as a battering ram against others. But Paul’s example is to lead with love, grace, and gentleness—never with pride or manipulation. His life was a roadmap for how to handle authority: as a servant, not a dictator.
So Why Do We Follow Paul?
Because he shows us the way to live as grace believers who don’t throw the law away but place it in its proper role. Because he models what it looks like to be utterly sold out to Christ without losing sight of mercy. Because his writings help us understand the church age revelation clearly and apply it faithfully. And because, ultimately, “following Paul” is shorthand for following someone who lived and died for Jesus—and invites us to do the same.
For those who want to grow deeper, there’s a treasure trove of wisdom waiting in his epistles. The challenge is to engage with them honestly, without preconceived notions, and with a heart open to what God reveals. If you haven’t yet, take a moment to check out some trustworthy daily reflections and Scripture meditations at Verse For The Day. That little habit can transform how you see Paul’s letters—and your identity in Christ.
At the end of the day, Paul wasn’t the goal. Jesus is. Paul was the guidepost, the example, the runner ahead. Follow him, yes—but only as he followed the One who saved him. That’s the real deal, the heart of the faith, and the only way grace makes sense.