Mat 24:45, 47 | Barnes | STEP | Verses 45--51. This passage is in fact a parable, though it is not expressly so called. The design is to show that his disciples should act as if they were each moment expecting his return. This he illustrates by the conduct of a servant who did not expect his master soon to return, who acted with great impropriety, and who was accordingly punished. Verse 45. Who then is a faithful and wise servant , etc. By the conduct of a faithful and wise servant he intends to denote a faithful Christian, a servant of God, or a teacher of religion. Whom his lord . His master. It has no reference to God. It means the lord or master of the servant. Applied to Christian teachers, in the spiritual meaning of the parable, it refers to Christ, who has appointed them as teachers, and who is their Lord and Master, . Over his household . His family. Christian ministers are the servants of God appointed over the church, the family of Christ, . Meat in due season . The word meat here means food of all kinds. When the Bible was translated into English, it included, as the original does, all kinds of provisions requisite to support and nourish life. In due season . At the proper time. As they need it, or in the accustomed times. This was the office of a steward. Among the ancients this office was often filled by a slave--one who had shown himself trusty and faithful. The duty was to have a general superintendence over the affairs of the family. Applied to Christian ministers, it means that they are to feed the flock of God, to minister to their wants, and to do it as they need it, . (n) "meat" (o) "due season"

Matthew 24:45

Verses 45--51. This passage is in fact a parable, though it is not expressly so called. The design is to show that his disciples should act as if they were each moment expecting his return. This he illustrates by the conduct of a servant who did not expect his master soon to return, who acted with great impropriety, and who was accordingly punished.

Verse 45. Who then is a faithful and wise servant, etc. By the conduct of a faithful and wise servant he intends to denote a faithful Christian, a servant of God, or a teacher of religion.

Whom his lord. His master. It has no reference to God. It means the lord or master of the servant. Applied to Christian teachers, in the spiritual meaning of the parable, it refers to Christ, who has appointed them as teachers, and who is their Lord and Master, Jn 13:13,14.

Over his household. His family. Christian ministers are the servants of God appointed over the church, the family of Christ, 1Thes 5:12,13, 1Cor 3:5, 4:1,2, 12:28.

Meat in due season. The word meat here means food of all kinds. When the Bible was translated into English, it included, as the original does, all kinds of provisions requisite to support and nourish life.

In due season. At the proper time. As they need it, or in the accustomed times. This was the office of a steward. Among the ancients this office was often filled by a slave--one who had shown himself trusty and faithful. The duty was to have a general superintendence over the affairs of the family. Applied to Christian ministers, it means that they are to feed the flock of God, to minister to their wants, and to do it as they need it, Jn 21:15-17, Acts 20:28, 1Cor 4:1,2.

(n) "meat" Jer 3:15 (o) "due season" Mt 13:52

Matthew 24:47

Verse 47. Shall make him ruler, etc. Shall confirm his appointment over his household, and, as a reward, shall place him over all his property. This does not mean that ministers shall have a higher rank or office, but is a circumstance of the parable or story, designed to show the effect of faithfulness. Faithful servants of Christ shall be rewarded. This will be done by his approbation, and by the rewards of the heavenly world.

(p) "ruler over all his goods" Mt 25:21