Matthew 23:7Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

They delight, He states, in taking prominent positions at banquets, enjoying places of honor during gatherings, greeting one another in the marketplace, and being addressed by others as Teacher. While some might view these behaviors as minor, they often lead to significant consequences. Such attitudes have contributed to the decline of both the state and the churches. My heart aches as I reflect on the initial greetings and expressions of affection, pondering how much harm has arisen from them within the body of Christ. However, there is no need to elaborate on this just now, particularly for those of you who are more seasoned in these matters. Instead, let us consider this: Where were the instructors of the law consumed by pride?

Their actions are driven by a desire for glory, and with such intentions, they feel no shame; rather, they seek to be recognized as teachers, proclaiming: rabbi, rabbi!

Having expanded their outward appearances and adorned themselves with elaborate fringes in pursuit of recognition from others, they are admonished for their actions. They desire the places of honor at banquets, the most prominent seats in the synagogues, and seek admiration in public as well as indulgence in fine foods, longing to be addressed by the populace as ‘Teacher,’ as the term Rabbi conveys.

They enjoy being acknowledged through verbal greetings and various external gestures. They also appreciate being referred to as teachers or rabbi in Hebrew.

Truly, these hypocrites possess no authentic good works, and they take pride in trivial and inconsequential matters. These vain individuals seek positions of prominence everywhere. They cherish the honor of being recognized at banquets, desire the chief seats at the dining table, and strive for the highest places in the synagogues, often attempting to occupy the most prominent spots near the ark that contains the sacred texts. They delight in receiving flattering greetings in public gatherings, seeking respectful acknowledgments in busy marketplaces, longing for people to call them: Teacher! Teacher! Blessed Theophylact observes, "The Lord's words are unmistakable: let us be watchful!

Following these events, the Lord departed from the temple, delivering a grave warning aimed at the Pharisees and the temple priests, who had led the people into corruption, along with serious admonitions about the approaching judgment of God. As He completed His earthly mission, He indicated that He would persist in His work among the people through His messengers. However, the Pharisees would harass them, as well as the previous witnesses to the truth, thereby increasing the measure of their ancestors' transgressions. Consequently, the judgment of God would be manifested upon the wickedness of Jerusalem.

Jesus Christ begins His address by acknowledging the power and authority of the Pharisees and scribes as the spiritual leaders and interpreters of the Law of Moses, guiding the people to live in accordance with its commandments. He instructs His audience to observe all that they are taught by these leaders. However, He quickly cautions against the corruption found among the Pharisees, urging His listeners not to follow their examples, which stand in stark contrast to the true teachings of the law. Although the Pharisees rigidly impose their standards upon the people, they exhibit a lack of genuine desire to adhere to those same principles themselves.

They seek to receive recognition in every place and desire the prominent seats not only in houses of worship but also at banquets, so that when they congregate and gather with others, they are welcomed and referred to as leaders.

Greeting in public spaces serves as an outward display or symbol of profound honor and esteem. The phrase "for people to call them: teacher! teacher!" represents a prestigious title that indicates their authority. They relished being addressed in this way, as it affirmed their elevated status above others. In Jewish culture, there are three terms for a teacher: rabbi, rabbis, and rabban, each representing varying levels of education and pedagogical responsibility. While some may view these matters as trivial, they can give rise to significant issues; entire cities and congregations have suffered because of them. A teacher ought to embody an example for others to admire, demonstrating this not only within the church but in all facets of life. Whether speaking or remaining silent, sharing a meal, or engaging in any activity, a teacher must consistently reflect a standard of excellence—in behavior, demeanor, attire, and in all aspects of life (Chrysostom).

Like many who are consumed by vanity, the Pharisees sought various forms of recognition from those around them. They relished the opportunity to recline at feasts, occupy prominent places at gatherings, receive affectionate greetings in the marketplace, and be addressed as "Rabbi" by the people. In keeping with Eastern customs, during banquets the Jewish people would lie on cushions or mats near the table, with the most coveted positions in the center and in the synagogues close to the area where the sacred scrolls were stored. The esteemed title of teacher (rabbi, rabbis, or the highest form - rabban) was granted to learned individuals skilled in expounding the law.