The apostle now introduces the third family metaphor in the passage, namely that of the father: as a father deals with his own children. It was widely accepted in the ancient world—by Jews, Greeks, and Romans—that fathers were responsible for the moral instruction of their children. The Old Testament reflects a strong emphasis on the responsibility of fathers to train their children in godly conduct. This is particularly prominent in the book of Proverbs, but is found throughout the Old Testament (Proverbs 3:1; Proverbs 4:1; Deuteronomy 6:7; Joshua 4:6–7; Malachi 2:15; Malachi 4:6). Greek writers recognized a similar responsibility (though with a different religious perspective), and many moral philosophers likened the task of training their disciples to the work of a father with his children.1,2 Paul therefore uses the metaphor of the father to draw attention to his pastoral commitment to the new believers.3
11 For you know how, like a father with his children,