Who is cited as the first person in history to be called 'Rabbi' in writing?

• A. Moses
• B. Jesus
• C. Paul
• D. Aaron

Answer: (B)

Rabbi means “my teacher” and was a title of respect for Jewish teachers. In the earliest written records about Jesus, his followers address him as Rabbi, signaling their recognition of him as a teacher figure with authority. This makes Jesus the first person in history to be called Rabbi in writing, as the Gospel accounts present him in that teaching role from the outset. Moses and Aaron are central figures as prophets and leaders, but the earliest surviving writings don’t label them with this title in the same way. Paul appears as a teacher and apostle, but the specific designation Rabbi isn’t used for him in those early writings.