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is based upon the belief that Scripture will interpret Scripture when personal bias is left out of the deduction. Whether symbolic, spiritual, literal or whatever the interpretative method, Scripture will not contradict when "rightly dividing the word of truth."

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Dividing the Concubine

Call No Man Father Added: 
March-04-04 
Question: Don't we call those who disciple us "spiritual fathers?" Also, R. Catholics call their priests "father?" What is Christ pointing out in Matthew 23:9? Answer: The term "spiritual fathers" is not found in Scripture, neither is the term "father" to be used in a religious sense. The term "father" or "fathers" is often used in a historical sense referring to heritage or to father-son relationships. This is scriptural and thus permissible.

In Matthew 23:9, we are instructed to abstain from calling any man father in a religious sense, because ONE is our Father, God. Note that the priesthood among men was done away with after Jesus became or High Priest. Jesus has a better ministry under a better covenant (Hebrews 2:17;3:1; 4:14,15). See chapter eight of Hebrews also, especially verse six.

As far as Roman Catholics go, they call their priests "father" in a religious setting and a religious sense. This is wrong! The offices held in the Born-Again Church are as follows:

"And he gave some, apostles; and some, porphets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:..." (Ephesians 4:11-12).

Also we find the office of a bishop, which is an officer in general charge of a church (I Timothy 3:1-2; Titus 1:7), not to be confused with the Bishop of our souls, which is the Lord (I Peter 2:25). Also there are elders or presbuteros, referring to a member of church council, a presbyter. An elder is to be respected in his office as one would respect his earthly father or parent (without the title "father") (I Timothy 1:5). This is not to be confused with an elder brother, et cetra, in respect to age.