SPECIAL TOPIC: TEACHER

This is the vocative form (didaskale) of the term “teacher” (didaskalos). It translates the Hebrew term for “teacher” (lit. “great one,” cf. John 1:38; 20:16) and refers to one who knew the Law of Moses (i.e., an honorific title). It is used in the NT of

Jewish teachers – Luke 2:46
John the Baptist – Luke 3:12
Jesus – Matt. 8:19; 9:11; 17:24; 26:25,49; Mark 9:5,17,38; 11:21; Luke 10:25; John 1:49
Nicodemus – John 3:10
Paul – 1 Tim. 2:7; 2 Tim. 1:11
Christian teachers – Acts 13:1; 1 Cor. 12:28; Eph. 4:11; James 3:1

Jesus restricts the usage of this term/title to Himself (cf. Matt. 23:7-12; Mark 14:14; John 3:2; 11:27-28; 13:13-14). There is only “one” Father; there is only “one” teacher! He and only He is the true “Great One” !