[FJ290]

I believe the point of that passage is an admonition against considering any earthly authority as being in a position like that of God, for no earthly authority can compare.

Agreed. Good point.

[unspun]

I believe the point of that passage is an admonition against considering any earthly authority as being in a position like that of God, for no earthly authority can compare.

I do like your term "earthly authority," Petronski! It is very Scriptural. But, getting to the context, if you asked the Jews if they viewed the Pharisees as being positions like God, their tradition was clear that they would have denied it.