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Questions / Jesus

Didn’t Jesus say to call no man father?

Scripture

Answered on video by Catholic Answers

Video: Call No Man Father?, Catholic Answers Live, published Mar 25, 2014. Checked 10 October 2026. Loads from YouTube (privacy-enhanced mode) only when you press play. Watch on YouTube

In short: Paul knew that teaching, and he still told the Corinthians he’d become their father in Christ. So, context matters. 1 Corinthians 4:15

The answer, in writing

Church teaching

Jesus did say “Call no man on the earth your father, for one is your Father, he who is in heaven.” Matthew 23:9

Yet Paul tells the Corinthians, “in Christ Jesus, I became your father through the Good News.” 1 Corinthians 4:15

Our words

Jesus was warning against pride and titles that compete with God, not banning the word. Paul, who knew His teaching well, used it of himself. Calling a priest “Father” is about spiritual family, not rank.

Short on time? Quick answer · 3 min

Video: Call No Man Father?, Catholic Answers Live, published Mar 25, 2014. Checked 10 October 2026. Loads from YouTube only when you press play.

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Sources on this page

How we know · 2 Bible passages
  1. Scripture (World English Bible, Catholic edition, public domain; modern verse numbers, Douay-Rheims numbers in brackets where they differ): Matthew 23:9; 1 Corinthians 4:15.

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