For a long time it was held that
the address “Father” (Abba), used by an individual speaking to God, was unique
to Jesus and expressed an especially intimate relation to God. This theory has
now been disputed in light of material that shows it to be used in other
sources as well. It is still possible, however, to say to address the question
of how he used it. To speak of God as both king and father was common in
ancient religions. For instance, the Greek philosopher Dio Chrysostom (early
second Dio Chrysostom (early second century C.E.) says of Zeus that he “alone
of the gods is named ‘father’ and ‘king.’ He is named ‘king’ according to rule
and power, ‘father.’ I think, according to providence and mildness” (Dio
Chrysostom, Or. 1.39-40). This perspective on God as father could be a
comfort especially to those in need. From the perspective of slaves, Epicetus
says, “To have God as our maker and father and guardian—will this not deliver
from pain and fears?” (Epicetus, Diatr. 19.7). Closer to home, in Jewish
literature God was also spoken of both as king and as father, and sometimes the
the titles were combined. In this literature God is spoken of primarily as
father to the people, Israel, and to the king. (Halvor Moxnes, Putting Jesus
in His Place: A Radical Vision of Household and Kingdom [Louisville, Ky.:
Westminster John Knox Press, 2003], 115)
