Matthew 23:9Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Again, it is stated, ‘And call no man father’ (Matt. 23:9). This does not imply that one should never refer to anyone as father but rather that individuals should recognize the true nature of fatherhood. Just as a teacher is not a teacher in the ultimate sense, so too is a father not the ultimate authority. Only God is the source of all, encompassing both educators and paternal figures.

He does not prevent us from respecting our parents by stating, ‘You shall not be called father’; rather, it delights Him that we should revere our parents, particularly our spiritual fathers. Through these words, Christ guides us to understand the true Father, namely God, for the true Father is God Himself. Fleshly parents are not the source of our being but serve only as instruments and means through which God acts.

No one should be referred to as a teacher or father except for God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ. He is our Father because all things originate from Him, and He is our Teacher because everything comes through Him; through the incarnation of His Son, we have all been reconciled to God. It raises the question, why does the Apostle, in opposition to this instruction, refer to himself as a teacher of languages (2 Cor. 5:20); or why is it that, within common vernacular, especially among the monastic communities in Palestine and Egypt, individuals refer to one another as father? This matter is addressed thus: there is a distinction between being a father and teacher by nature and being recognized in such roles by grace.

He did not intend for us to refrain from referring to earthly or spiritual mentors as fathers, but rather to remind us of the true nature of our Father. That Father is solely God in heaven, while earthly and spiritual fathers serve as His agents and helpers in our creation. Thus, He emphasizes that we should not call anyone on earth our father in the ultimate and rightful sense, since our true Father resides in heaven: the one God in three Persons.

And the Lord states, "And you shall not call anyone on earth your father, for you have only one Father, who is in Heaven." St. Chrysostom clarifies that this does not imply that the title of father should not be used, but rather that one should recognize whom to address as Father. Just as a teacher transcends their role in a fundamental sense, so too does a father. It is God alone who is the ultimate source of all—both educators and fathers. Blessed Theophylact adds that reverence for one's parents is not prohibited by the Lord, particularly towards spiritual fathers; instead, these words guide us towards understanding our true Father, who is God. In this context, God is the sole Father in the ultimate sense, while biological parents serve merely as instruments and facilitators of God’s will.

Jesus Christ begins His address by acknowledging the ongoing influence and authority of the Pharisees and scribes as the educators and interpreters of the Mosaic Law, guiding the people to adhere to its commandments. He instructs them to observe and carry out all that has been commanded to them. However, He promptly cautions His listeners about the moral decay of the Pharisees, urging them not to emulate the latter's behaviors, which starkly contradict the principles set forth in the law. Although the Pharisees are meticulous in their demands upon the populace, they themselves lack the intention to fulfill these obligations.

Avoid emulating them! Do not take on titles such as teachers or mentors, and do not elevate yourselves over others, for you are all equal brethren, with Christ being the sole Teacher and Guide. The scribes and Pharisees, who hold authority within their academies, seek to be addressed as fathers; do not refer to anyone on earth by that title, for God is the Father of all.

It is important to clarify that the Lord directed these words specifically to the Apostles, contrasting them with the people. The Apostles considered themselves brothers and referred to their disciples as children, as exemplified by John in his first epistle and Paul in his letter to the Galatians.

And when He stated, "you shall not call yourselves father," He is not prohibiting us from honoring our parents. Rather, He encourages us to respect our parents, particularly our spiritual guides. Through these words, He elevates our understanding to recognize the true Father, which is God Himself, as the ultimate source of existence. Earthly parents, in contrast, serve merely as facilitators and instruments of God's will. It is emphasized that “God alone is the root of all those who teach and father” according to Chrysostom.

True virtue embodies humility and steers clear of empty glory. In this context, the Lord, cautioning His disciples against a harmful example, offered them 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.” The designation itself is innocuous when used appropriately, devoid of arrogance and within understood boundaries. However, the prideful arrogance displayed by the Pharisees in discrediting and demeaning the most honorable titles is reprehensible.