Matthew 23:8Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

The 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.

"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."