Call no man father “mat 23:9”

[Eltorres]

So I have heard all the arguments using scriptures on why Matthew 23:9 should not be taken literally and should be taken as hyperbole. My problem is, when i read this passage in the context of the entire chapter, i see Jesus emphasizing avoidance of titles that make you stand out distinguished among other men. Of course, he is not referring to relationships, spiritual or biological.
His emphasis is avoiding titles that can make someone proud.
For example, i know many physicians.
They are offended if you do not call the “Doctor” Smith or do not address their envelopes as “Doctor.” why? Because they are proud of the title and believe they should be distinguished. Leaders of Gods people should blend in with Gods people, not stand out as special in the family. Calling a man “father” in public, makes him stand out in public…
I’d like to know others thoughts… this is one thing i am really struggling with.
Is there any record of the apostles or early fathers calling themselves “father peter”. As a signature or anything? All priests now sign their own documents as Fthr X. Ect. Is this ever seen in early church writing? Paul signs all his own letters but never in this way

 

[KMC]

From the Ignatius Study Bible (Scott Hahn’s commentary):
“Jesus uses hyperbole to post a warning that no man should pridefully desire honorific titles. His words are not meant to be taken literally. The NT writers elsewhere use father for natural fathers (Heb 12:7-11) and spiritual fathers in the Church (I Cor 4:15, Philem 10)”

Jesus in the parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man (Luke 16) uses the phrase in v24 “And he called out, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me…” and makes no issues of the title for Abraham.

Remember the context: Jesus said “call no man Father” at the beginning of the Olivet Discourse (Matt chapters 23-25) where He is taking on the pride of the Scribes and Pharisees…and calling out 8 woes (curses) upon them.

Perhaps the bigger lesson is: Don’t be like the Pharisees.

 

[humbleseeker]

Welcome, Eltorres! I was raised in the Church of Christ but studied my way right into the Catholic Church. Hope you find the answers you are seeking with an open heart for God’s truth.

Of course, he is not referring to relationships, spiritual or biological.

Priests are spiritual fathers to their parishioners, much like Paul was to Timothy
“ For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel ” (1 Cor. 4:14–15).

They are offended if you do not call the “Doctor” Smith

I know, right? Better to just call them Mr. or Mrs. Smith. Oops, what a second, can’t do that either because Mr. and Mrs. are just forms of “Master” and we are not permitted to use that title either.

Is there any record of the apostles or early fathers calling themselves “father peter”.

In the early church, members of the clergy generally did not have standard titles. However, an accepted way to address bishops was “papa” or “pappa,” which referred to the role of the bishops as father figures. This name eventually became associated solely with the Bishop of Rome. The highest title in the Catholic Church, that of “Pope,” is derived from those early titles.

Also, click the search function(the magnifying glass at the top). This question, or a variation, has been asked many times before.