Mat 25:14, Mar 13:34 | Barnes | STEP | Verse 14. For the kingdom of heaven , etc. This parable of the talents was spoken still farther to illustrate the manner in which he would deal with men at his return to judgment, The words, the kingdom of heaven , are not in the original, but are very properly inserted by the translators. The design of the parable is to teach that those who improve their talents or faculties in the cause of religion-- who improve them to their own salvation, and in doing good to others --shall be proportionally rewarded. But they who neglect their talents, and neither secure their own salvation nor do good to others, will be punished. The kingdom of heaven is like such a man; that is, God deals with men, in his government, as such a man did. His own servants . That is, such of them as he judged worthy [of] such a trust. These represent the apostles, Christian ministers, professing Christians, and perhaps all men. The going into a far country may represent the Lord Jesus going into heaven. He has given to all talents to improve, . His goods . His property-representing the offices, abilities, and opportunities for doing good, which he has given to his professed followers. (i) "For the kingdom of heaven"

Matthew 25:14

Verse 14. For the kingdom of heaven, etc. This parable of the talents was spoken still farther to illustrate the manner in which he would deal with men at his return to judgment, The words, the kingdom of heaven, are not in the original, but are very properly inserted by the translators. The design of the parable is to teach that those who improve their talents or faculties in the cause of religion-- who improve them to their own salvation, and in doing good to others --shall be proportionally rewarded. But they who neglect their talents, and neither secure their own salvation nor do good to others, will be punished. The kingdom of heaven is like such a man; that is, God deals with men, in his government, as such a man did.

His own servants. That is, such of them as he judged worthy [of] such a trust. These represent the apostles, Christian ministers, professing Christians, and perhaps all men. The going into a far country may represent the Lord Jesus going into heaven. He has given to all talents to improve, Eph 4:8.

His goods. His property-representing the offices, abilities, and opportunities for doing good, which he has given to his professed followers.

(i) "For the kingdom of heaven" Lk 19:12

Mark 13:34

Verse 34. Who left his house. The word house often means family. Our Saviour here represents himself as going away, leaving his household the Church, assigning to the apostles and all his servants their duty, and leaving it uncertain when he would return. As his return was a matter of vast consequence--and as the affairs of his kingdom were entrusted to them, just as the affairs of a house are to servants, when the master is absent---so it was of Vast importance that they should be faithful at their post, defend the house from danger, and be ready for his return.

The porter. The door-keeper. To the janitor or door-keeper was entrusted, particularly, the faithful care of the house, whose duty it was to attend faithfully on those who came, and those who left the house.