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Explanation for:
Matthew
23
:
8
But be not you called Rabbi. For one is your master; and all you are brethren.
7
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{"arr":[{"author-name":"John Chrysostom","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ea76859f9f8e2ffd3ee_John%20Chrysostom.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Until now, the Savior had specifically admonished the Pharisees for their faults, as these shortcomings, though serious, did not pose a significant risk to His followers; hence, there was no immediate need for caution. However, when addressing the root of all evils—greed and the admiration of the teachers’ positions—the Savior vehemently condemned this vice, vigorously opposing it while also speaking to His disciples. What does He declare? \\"But ye shall not be called teachers\\" (Matthew 23:8). He then explains this statement: \\"For Christ is your Master alone, but you are all brothers,\\" indicating that no one holds superiority over another since no one possesses anything of their own. This notion is echoed by Paul, who asks, \\"Who is Paul? Who is Apollos? They are only ministers\\" (1 Cor. 3:5). Notably, he refrains from referring to them as \\"teachers.\\""},{"author-name":"Theophylact of Bulgaria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989296bafed9104677d7_Theophylact%20of%20Bulgaria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":11,"exegesis-text":"Christ does not prohibit us from being referred to as teachers; rather, He cautions against desiring this title or striving to attain it. The true honor of being a teacher is reserved solely for God."},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"He acknowledged that the other aspects related to their condemnation were trivial and required little elaboration. However, he highlights a love for power as a root cause of numerous wrongdoings, emphasizing the necessity of its removal. Avoid seeking titles or desires for recognition. If others label you, it will not result in your condemnation."},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"And DO NOT BE CALLED TEACHERS, nor should you pursue this title for yourselves, nor should you desire to be regarded as teachers, nor should you undertake the role of a teacher unless you are specifically called to it. If, however, you are chosen for this role by God and acknowledged as teachers by the holy law, remember that the role of a teacher in its truest form belongs solely to God. Thus, because ONE OF YOU IS THE TEACHER OF CHRIST, YOU ALL ARE BROTHERS, and ‘no one is greater than another in any respect, for he owns nothing,’ as the blessed Theophylact observes. Therefore, consider yourselves as nothing more than siblings to those who identify you as teachers. In interpreting the Lord's words, St. Philaret asks: ‘How can it be that some are called teachers within the Christian Church? How does the Apostle Paul refer to himself as a teacher of the Gentiles? How does he mention that God has appointed some in the Church first as apostles, second as prophets, and third as teachers? (1 Cor. 12:28). How can we reconcile this? It is not challenging to harmonize these ideas. The divine Apostle rightly asserts that God has indeed established teachers in the Church, therefore we are not wrong in honoring those who fulfill this role as appointed by God. The Apostle also confirms the truth when he proclaims, I have been appointed a preacher and an apostle - I speak the truth in Christ, I do not lie - a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth (1 Tim. 2:7). The Lord does not abolish the teaching office nor instructs that there should be no teachers. This is unfeasible because where there are disciples — and all Christians are disciples, originally known by no other title — there must necessarily be teachers, especially after the singular Teacher ascended to heaven. He who is above all is not envious of a title; rather, He humbles our wisdom, moderates pride, restrains arrogance, curtails obstinacy, and condemns deceit in teaching. Truly spiritual individuals and deserving teachers strive to remain among the disciples and do not seek to elevate the number of teachers by their own ambition. In the apostles, we witness a willingness to proclaim the kingdom of heaven; yet none of them sought the title of apostle for themselves, let alone positioned themselves to achieve it. Thus, if an avoidance of the pursuit of teaching is characteristic of those who are truly worthy, then an eagerness to acquire it marks those who are unworthy."},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"\\"You are not to be referred to as teachers, in the way that the proud Pharisees and scribes were addressed. Christ does not prohibit the title of teacher itself; rather, He cautions against the fervent yearning for this designation and the relentless pursuit of it. The true honor of a teacher, in its rightful understanding, is reserved solely for God.\\""},{"author-name":"Gladkow B.I.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88bf0ceef8c96e09a6521_Gladkow%20B.I..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Avoid imitating them! Do not seek to be called teachers or masters, nor elevate yourselves above others, for you are all equal brethren, and only Christ is your Teacher and Master. The scribes and Pharisees, who assert authority in the schools, desire to be regarded as fathers; do not refer to anyone on earth in this way, for God is the Father of all. \\n\\nThe Lord’s words were directed specifically at the Apostles, distinguishing them from the people. The Apostles were brothers among themselves and referred to their disciples as children, as seen in the Epistles of John and Paul."},{"author-name":"Paul Matwejewski","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8969f5be0d592d5a10576_Paul%20Matwejewski.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"True virtue embodies humility and shuns empty pride. To caution His disciples against a damaging example, the Lord imparted this counsel: “But you shall not be called teachers, for Christ is your only Teacher, and all of you are brethren; you shall not call yourselves father on earth, for your Father alone is in heaven; you shall not be called instructors, for Christ is your only Instructor.” While the title itself can be harmless when used appropriately and within rightful boundaries, the arrogance displayed by the Pharisees in misusing these esteemed titles is reprehensible. Blessed Theophylact explains that Christ does not prohibit us from being called teachers; rather, He warns against an excessive desire for this title and striving for it at all costs. When He states “call not your father to yourselves on earth,” He is not dismissing the honor due to our earthly parents but instead elevates us to recognize the true Father, that is, God. St. John Chrysostom echoes this sentiment by asserting that “God alone is the source of all teachers and fathers.”"}]}
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