If this passage was meant to be taken literally, then we all
offend the Scripture. We all have used "father" to designate our
birth father; and "teacher," our instructors at school. On the
other hand, the meaning of the scripture is that no person
should be given the respect and honor due ultimately to God
the Father.
Catholic Christians call the priests "father" with the sense
understood by Paul.
1 Corinthians 4:14-16
I am writing you this not to shame you, but to admonish
you as my beloved children. Even if you should have
countless guides to Christ, yet you do not have many
fathers, for I became your father in Christ Jesus
through the gospel. Therefore, I urge you, be imitators
of me.