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.