Matthew 23:8
Matthew 23:88But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers.
The Watchtower cites against clergy titles in Christendom — Catholic priests called "Father," Protestant pastors called "Reverend," and other honorific titles are framed as violations of Jesus's prohibition. The verse is invoked rhetorically against denominational hierarchies while the JW system internally uses titles like "Brother" and the exalted "Governing Body" status without the same scrutiny.
Affirm the verse's plain force, then turn the lens inward. Jesus says "one is your Teacher" — a direct exclusion of any human authority that claims to be the channel of authoritative teaching for all believers. The Watchtower's Governing Body claims exactly this role: Witnesses are required to receive doctrinal teaching through the organisation, and publicly disagreeing with the Body's teaching brings disciplinary consequences. Pair with ("the anointing that you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to be teaching you") and (Paul refusing to position himself as a mediating authority). The Reformed position affirms genuine teachers and pastors () — but accountable to Scripture, not as an unchallengeable channel above it.