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Matthew 23:8
Verse
Context
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Summary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
But be not ye called Rabbi; for one is your Master--your Guide, your Teacher.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But be not ye called Rabbi,.... Do not be ambitious of any such title, fond of it, or affect it, or be elated with it, should it be given you; nor look upon yourselves as men of power and authority over others; as having the dominion over men's faith, a power to make laws for others, impose them in a magisterial way, and bind and loose men's consciences at pleasure, as these men do: for one is your master, even Christ; meaning himself, the true Messiah, the head of the church, King of saints, and Lord of all; who had all power in heaven and in earth, to make laws, appoint ordinances, and oblige men to receive his doctrines, and obey his commands: the word "Christ", is left out in the Vulgate Latin, the Syriac, Persic, and Ethiopic versions; but is in the Arabic version, and Munster's Hebrew Gospel, and in all the ancient Greek copies Beza consulted, excepting two: no other indeed can be meant; he is the great Rabbi, and doctor, that is to be hearkened to, and the master we are all to obey: and all ye are brethren; not merely as the descendants of Adam, but as being in a spiritual relation, the children of God, and disciples of Christ, and so have no superiority one over another: this may regard the disciples, both as believers and Christians, partakers of the same grace, and standing in the same relation to God, Christ, and one another, and having an equal right to the same privileges: and as apostles and ministers, one as such, no, not Peter, having no pre-eminence over the other, having the same commission, doctrine, and authority, one as the other.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
23:8-12 Jesus does not prohibit the use of titles (especially for one’s own father), but rather the assumption of undue honor by those who transmit knowledge about God. The community of Jesus is a group of equals, each of whom knows God (see 12:46-50; 18:15-20). The terms Rabbi, Father, and Teacher are roughly equivalent. 23:8 Rabbi: These men functioned in Judaism as mediators for dispensing knowledge about God (see 23:7). The new covenant, by contrast, has only one teacher, Jesus himself as Messiah (see Jer 31:31-34).
Matthew 23:8
Woes to Scribes and Pharisees
7the greetings in the marketplaces, and the title of ‘Rabbi’ by which they are addressed.8But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers.9And do not call anyone on earth your father, for you have one Father, who is in heaven.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Christ Is All - in Scripture
By Bill McLeod1.6K46:28Fulness Of ChristPSA 2:10PSA 40:7PSA 41:9MAT 1:21MAT 28:19MRK 14:62COL 3:11TIT 3:7PHM 1:1In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing Mark 16 and Luke 1 from the Bible. He highlights how Jesus reproached his disciples for their lack of belief in his resurrection and then commanded them to preach the gospel to the world. The speaker also mentions that some versions of the Bible omit miracles and end with Jesus' death on the cross, portraying him as a good man and advocate of peace. However, the speaker emphasizes that the Bible is truly all about Jesus and explores the significance of his ministry and his role as the Son of God.
The People's Christ
By C.H. Spurgeon1.5K49:00PSA 89:19MAT 4:18MAT 20:28MAT 23:8MAT 23:12REV 22:17The sermon transcript describes the exaltation of Christ Jesus after completing his work on earth. It portrays a triumphant scene of angels rejoicing as Jesus approaches the gates of heaven. The angels declare him as the conquering hero and the gates of heaven open to welcome him. The sermon emphasizes the importance of Christ's election and exaltation, highlighting his victory over sin and his ultimate reign as the King of glory.
Understanding Dead Works
By Zac Poonen1.3K59:06MAT 6:8MAT 23:8LUK 10:42JHN 5:191CO 4:2This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding and following God's ways as demonstrated by Jesus. It highlights the need to listen to God, wait on Him, and do exactly as He commands without relying solely on human reasoning. The speaker stresses the significance of avoiding dead works, making needs known only to God, and following the example set by Jesus and the apostles in all aspects of life and ministry.
The Importance of Godly Leadership in Church
By Zac Poonen85034:20MAL 1:11MAT 23:8JHN 14:6JHN 17:9HEB 11:6REV 17:5This sermon emphasizes the shift from an external righteousness based on the Old Covenant mentality to an inward righteousness of the New Covenant. It highlights the importance of seeking purity, inner transformation, and a wholehearted pursuit of God's kingdom. The speaker challenges the focus on external appearances, titles, and traditions, urging believers to prioritize their inner life, motives, and consistency in following Jesus.
Homily 72 on Matthew
By St. John Chrysostom0GEN 18:27DEU 6:4PSA 139:23MAT 23:1MAT 23:81CO 3:51CO 15:9John Chrysostom preaches about Jesus' teachings to the multitudes and His disciples, emphasizing the importance of following God's commandments despite the hypocrisy of the religious leaders. Chrysostom highlights Jesus' respect for the law and Moses, urging his listeners to honor their teachers and priests, even if they are flawed, to avoid falling into the same sins. He condemns the Scribes and Pharisees for their love of glory, vainglory, and harsh treatment of others, pointing out their lack of humility and genuine service. Chrysostom encourages humility, servanthood, and equality among believers, drawing examples from the lives of holy men who practiced modesty and selflessness.
There's a Sheep Born Every Second
By David Servant0PSA 23:1PSA 23:3MAT 7:22MAT 23:8JHN 10:111CO 11:1EPH 4:14David Servant delivers a powerful message drawing parallels between the behavior of sheep and humans, emphasizing the dangers of blindly following leaders and the importance of following Jesus, the Good Shepherd, to avoid being misled. He highlights the tendency of people to idolize spiritual leaders, giving them titles and praise that belong only to God, and warns against being deceived by those who seek approval and honor from men. David stresses the need for individuals to think for themselves, discern the fruits of spiritual leaders, and ensure that Christ has absolute preeminence in their lives to stay on the path of righteousness.
Christ Warned Against Titles
By William MacDonald0HumilityEquality in ChristMAT 23:8William MacDonald emphasizes Jesus' warning against the use of honorific titles within the church, reminding believers that God is our Father, Christ is our Master, and the Holy Spirit is our Teacher. He critiques the tendency of churches to adopt titles that elevate individuals, such as 'Father' or 'Reverend,' which detracts from the unique roles of the Trinity. MacDonald argues that while titles may have a place in secular contexts, in the spiritual realm, all believers are equal as brethren. He highlights that true authority comes from the Holy Spirit, not from academic or honorary titles. The sermon calls for a return to humility and recognition of our shared identity in Christ.
The Missionary's Master and Teacher
By Oswald Chambers0MAT 23:8LUK 6:46JHN 13:13JHN 14:15ROM 6:16PHP 2:8HEB 5:8JAS 1:221JN 5:3Oswald Chambers emphasizes the distinction between having a master and teacher versus being mastered and taught. He delves into the depth of having Christ as our Teacher, who knows us intimately, satisfies the deepest longings of our hearts, and has resolved all our doubts and uncertainties. Chambers reflects on the reluctance to be controlled by God's mastery, highlighting the importance of understanding obedience in the context of a loving relationship, as seen in the example of Jesus' obedience to the Father.
Day 109, 2 Corinthians 11
By David Servant0EXO 20:5MAT 23:82CO 11:32CO 11:22GAL 1:6GAL 6:17David Servant preaches about the identity of the false apostles in Corinth, who were preaching 'another Jesus' and a 'different gospel,' similar to the Jewish legalists in Galatians. Paul, motivated by love, expressed godly jealousy over the Corinthian believers, warning them against being led astray from devotion to Christ. Believers are cautioned against giving their affections to false or legitimate teachers, arousing God's jealousy, and encouraged to maintain simplicity and purity in devotion to Christ. Paul's perseverance in suffering for Christ's sake serves as an inspiration for believers to sacrificially serve the gospel, keeping Jesus exalted above all.
(The Lord and His Church) 2. Encouragement in Tribulation
By Zac Poonen0JER 12:5MAT 23:8MRK 10:30JHN 16:33ACT 14:222CO 1:4COL 3:2REV 1:9REV 2:10Zac Poonen preaches on the life of John, emphasizing his humility as he referred to himself simply as 'your brother'. John, despite his age and experience, did not exalt himself with titles but recognized all believers as brothers under the leadership of Christ. John's mention of being a 'fellow-partaker in the tribulation which is in Jesus' highlights the reality that every disciple should expect trials and tribulations while following Christ, as exemplified by John's own experience on the island of Patmos. Poonen challenges believers to embrace tribulations as a means of spiritual growth and preparation for the future, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and enduring in faith amidst trials. He also stresses the significance of being 'in the Spirit' like John, tuning our minds to hear God's voice amidst the distractions and voices of the world.
Precept and Practice
By W.R. Inge0PRO 9:9MAT 23:81CO 1:25JAS 3:17W.R. Inge emphasizes the value of having one master who embodies a life of wisdom and virtue over a thousand masters who are experts in reading and knowledge. He points out that while seeking a master in scriptures may lead one to prestigious institutions like Paris and high learning schools, true guidance on living a perfect life can only be found in someone with a simple and pure nature.
Titles and Salaries for Church Leaders
By Zac Poonen0Financial Integrity in MinistryServanthood in LeadershipMAT 23:8Zac Poonen emphasizes that church leaders should avoid titles that elevate them above their peers, as Jesus taught that the greatest among us must be servants. He critiques the common practice of church leaders demanding salaries, advocating instead for a model where leaders support themselves and rely on voluntary gifts from the congregation. Poonen highlights the importance of financial integrity, urging leaders to be careful about the sources of their support and to prioritize the needs of their families and the poor. He calls for a return to the New Testament principles of ministry, where respect and appreciation are the primary forms of compensation for church leaders. Ultimately, he stresses that true ministry should be motivated by love for Christ rather than financial gain.
The Way of the Disciple
By Chip Brogden0PRO 16:25MAT 7:13MAT 23:8MAT 28:19LUK 14:33JHN 3:30JHN 14:6JHN 14:26ROM 13:14Chip Brogden preaches about the two ways presented to us: the broad way of man leading to death and the narrow way of God leading to life, with Christ as the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He emphasizes the importance of discipleship, where believers must enter the narrow gate, walk the narrow path, and be conformed to the image of Christ, allowing Christ to be expressed through them. Brogden challenges the common focus on ministers and workers, highlighting that God desires disciples above all else, who sit at the feet of Jesus as their Teacher and learn directly from Him. He stresses the cost of discipleship as giving up 'our way' to follow Christ's way, leading to the loss of worldly approval but the gain of Christ's approval.
Compared View of the First Three Gospels, Etc.
By John Nelson Darby0The GospelsChrist's MinistryMAT 1:1MAT 4:17MAT 5:1MAT 9:35MAT 11:28MAT 28:19MRK 1:14LUK 3:23LUK 4:18John Nelson Darby discusses the distinct characteristics and purposes of the first three Gospels, emphasizing that Mark presents a chronological account of Christ's service, while Matthew focuses on the presentation of Jesus as the Messiah and the implications of His rejection. He notes that Luke, while generally following Mark's order, includes moral teachings that are unique to his Gospel. Darby highlights the importance of understanding the genealogies and the context of Christ's ministry, particularly in relation to Israel's expectations and the establishment of the church. He concludes that the Gospels collectively reveal the nature of Christ's mission and the unfolding of God's plan for humanity.
The Church I Found and How I Found It!
By Robert H. Boll0MAT 7:24MAT 23:8ROM 14:41CO 1:10GAL 5:1EPH 4:3COL 3:162TI 3:162PE 1:20Robert H. Boll shares his journey of becoming a Christian, emphasizing the struggle of surrendering deeply ingrained beliefs and teachings to embrace a simple, personal relationship with God. Through encounters with certain Christians and the study of scripture, he was led to understand the importance of personal responsibility before God and the need to rely solely on the word of God for guidance. Boll highlights the freedom and individual accountability of a Christian, rejecting the authority of human creeds and emphasizing unity based on the whole counsel of God.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
But be not ye called Rabbi; for one is your Master--your Guide, your Teacher.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But be not ye called Rabbi,.... Do not be ambitious of any such title, fond of it, or affect it, or be elated with it, should it be given you; nor look upon yourselves as men of power and authority over others; as having the dominion over men's faith, a power to make laws for others, impose them in a magisterial way, and bind and loose men's consciences at pleasure, as these men do: for one is your master, even Christ; meaning himself, the true Messiah, the head of the church, King of saints, and Lord of all; who had all power in heaven and in earth, to make laws, appoint ordinances, and oblige men to receive his doctrines, and obey his commands: the word "Christ", is left out in the Vulgate Latin, the Syriac, Persic, and Ethiopic versions; but is in the Arabic version, and Munster's Hebrew Gospel, and in all the ancient Greek copies Beza consulted, excepting two: no other indeed can be meant; he is the great Rabbi, and doctor, that is to be hearkened to, and the master we are all to obey: and all ye are brethren; not merely as the descendants of Adam, but as being in a spiritual relation, the children of God, and disciples of Christ, and so have no superiority one over another: this may regard the disciples, both as believers and Christians, partakers of the same grace, and standing in the same relation to God, Christ, and one another, and having an equal right to the same privileges: and as apostles and ministers, one as such, no, not Peter, having no pre-eminence over the other, having the same commission, doctrine, and authority, one as the other.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
23:8-12 Jesus does not prohibit the use of titles (especially for one’s own father), but rather the assumption of undue honor by those who transmit knowledge about God. The community of Jesus is a group of equals, each of whom knows God (see 12:46-50; 18:15-20). The terms Rabbi, Father, and Teacher are roughly equivalent. 23:8 Rabbi: These men functioned in Judaism as mediators for dispensing knowledge about God (see 23:7). The new covenant, by contrast, has only one teacher, Jesus himself as Messiah (see Jer 31:31-34).