Matthew 23:8 - An Understandable Version (2005 edition)8 But you should not assume the title ‘Rabbi,’ for [only] one is your teacher [i.e., Jesus Himself] and all of you are [simply] brothers. See the chapterMore versionsKing James Version (Oxford) 17698 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. See the chapterAmplified Bible - Classic Edition8 But you are not to be called rabbi (teacher), for you have one Teacher and you are all brothers. See the chapterAmerican Standard Version (1901)8 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your teacher, and all ye are brethren. See the chapterCommon English Bible8 “But you shouldn’t be called Rabbi, because you have one teacher, and all of you are brothers and sisters. See the chapterCatholic Public Domain Version8 But you must not be called Master. For One is your Master, and you are all brothers. See the chapter |
I [am] John, your brother who participates with you in the suffering and kingdom and endurance [which we experience] in [fellowship with] Jesus. I was on the island called Patmos for [preaching] God’s message and for testifying about Jesus. [Note: Patmos was located in the Aegean Sea between present-day Greece and Turkey].
For we do not have [the right to] rule over your faith [i.e., to dictate concerning your personal relationship with God], but we want to work with you for your happiness. For you are [already] standing firm in your faith. [Note: This whole narrative alludes to some unresolved problems still existing there in Corinth]
A disciple is doing well if he can be [as good] as his teacher, and the slave [as good] as his master. If they have called the master of the house [i.e., Jesus] Beelzebub [i.e., the chief of evil spirits. See Mark 3:22], how much more [likely] will they call members of his household [i.e., the disciples] the same thing!