Following the Real Pattern

Generally when the New Testament speaks of following a pattern, it has in mind models of living. For example, the much-liked word of patternists ‘typos’ is never used of some blueprint that outlines church polity or practice. Instead, it consistently refers to following a certain kind of lifestyle. Notice how the word is used in the following texts:

Join with others in following my example (symmimetai), brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. (Phil 3.17) 

And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.” (1 Thess 1.7) 

We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow. (2 Thess 3.9) 

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. (1 Tim 4.12) 

In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness (Titus 2.7) 

… not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. (1 Pet 5.3)

In each case, the word refers to some model that a flesh-and-blood human models for others to emulate. And this is precisely how Jesus modeled it. In John 13.15, Jesus tells his disciples,

I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you."

Here Jesus' example of washing the disciples' feet becomes a behavior he expects of his disciples. Whether, in terms of serving one another, or, in actually washing each other feet, Jesus sets himself as the example we are to follow.

More pointedly, Paul clearly calls on the Corinthians to follow his example, "as I follow the example of Christ." (1 Cor 11.1). Similar to the list of texts at the first of this piece, this text underscores that those who follow Jesus are worthy of imitation. The purpose of this pattern is the imatitio Christi. Phil 3.17 is concerned precisely about this as well:

Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you.

As is 2 Thess 3.7-9:

For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow.

Here the context clearly describes what it means to follow the example of another. Paul implores the Thessalonians to live as he and his band had lived when among them. Paul continues this emphasis in some of his last letters when he mentors Timothy (1 Tim 4.12) and Titus (2.7) to set a good example for the believers among whom they serve. Therefore the biblical testimony about any pattern is consistent: it has to do with living right.

You will find the same emphasis again in Heb 13.7:

Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.

Again, the point is to follow people who follow Jesus.

Yet a text from 1 Peter (2.21-25) gives the best way to follow the pattern:

To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

The pattern here, as you have already surmised, is Jesus. Jesus is the pattern for what it means to follow God. In this particular passage, Jesus’ non-retaliatory response to those who would mistreat him becomes the example for those now facing persecution. Consistently, in the NT, following the pattern is about following the way of Jesus, the way he lives and the way he taught.

In the New Testament, the word pattern is never used of issues dealing with church polity, governance, or practice. Therefore, if one is looking for a pattern in the New Testament, you need look no further than Jesus.

Jesus is the pattern, our example, our model.