Matthew 25:19-23

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 25:14-30

The parable of the talents. This parable is naturally associated with that of the ten virgins. In both we have the time for preparation, the crisis of judgment, the differences of conduct, and subsequent results. But this second parable treats of higher responsibilities and graver issues. Here we have a specific trust; the duty is more than watching, it is diligent working; and the rewards and punishments are proportionately greater. We pass from the joys of the kingdom and the possibility... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 25:14-30

The parable of the talents. There are three parables which illustrate the relation of work and wages in the kingdom of heaven—the labourers in the vineyard, the pounds, and the talents. What this parable chiefly illustrates is that men are rewarded, not solely in proportion to the quantity of work produced, but that their ability and the means at their disposal are taken into account. And in order that this life be a fair field for the test of fidelity, two or three things are requisite, and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 25:14-30

The talents. This, like the preceding parable, refers immediately to the professed followers of Christ. It probably has a special, though certainly not exclusive, application to ministers and those distinguished by office in the Churches. We have to consider— I. THE TALENTS . 1 . These are not the natural faculties. 2 . They are the gifts of grace and providence. (a) the ordinary; (b) the extraordinary. There is a manifestation of the Spirit given to every man... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 25:19

After a long time . The interval between Christ's ascension and his second advent ( Matthew 25:5 ) is long in men's view, though Christ can say, "Lo , I come quickly" ( Revelation 3:11 , etc.). And reckoneth with them ( Matthew 18:23 ). The opportunity of labouring for Christ in the earthly life is ended at death; but the reckoning is reserved for the parousia—the coming of the Lord. The matter in the parable is concerned with the past actions of the servants of Christ ( Matthew... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 25:20

He that had received [ the ] five talents . The slaves appear in the same order as they had come to receive the deposits. The first comes joyfully, showing boldness in his day of judgment ( 1 John 2:17 ), because he has dealt faithfully and diligently, and prospered in his labours. Thou deliveredst unto me. He rightly acknowledges that all he had came from his lord, and that it was his duty and his pleasure to increase the deposit for his master's benefit. The long delay had not made... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 25:21

Well done ( εὖ ), thou good and faithful servant. He is praised, not for success, but for being "good," i.e. kind and merciful and honest in exercising the trust for others' benefit; and "faithful," true to his master's interests, not idle or inactive, but keeping one object always before him, steadily aiming at fidelity. Some regard the words as a commendation of the servant's works and faith, but this is not the primary meaning according to the context. Over a few things. The... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 25:21

Good and faithful servants. We cannot but be struck with the cheerful tone of these generous words. They encourage us to look to the brighter side of Christian life and work. This is not all failure. It is largely fruitful and acceptable to God. I. THERE ARE GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANTS OF GOD . No age in the history of the Church has been without such people. Even when the five talented men are scarce, men of two talents have abounded, and have proved their fidelity by... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 25:22

That had received [ the ] two talents . This man, who had received a less sum, had been as faithful as the first, and comes with equal confidence and joyfulness to render his account, because he had been true and diligent in furthering his lord's interests to the best of his means and faculties. He had, it seems, less capacity, but had used it to the full. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 25:23

Enter thou, etc. Both these servants had doubled their capital, and the lord commends and rewards them both in the same terms. The point is that each had done his best according to his ability. Their different talents, greater or less, had been profitably employed, and so far the two were equal. Fidelity in a smaller sphere of labour may be of greater importance than in a larger area; and seemingly insignificant duties well performed may be of incalculable spiritual advantage to one's self... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Matthew 25:19

After a long time ... - By the return of the lord of those servants to reckon with them is denoted the return of Christ to call people to an account for the manner in which they have improved their talents. See Romans 14:12; 2Co 5:10; 1 Thessalonians 4:16; Acts 1:11; Acts 17:31.Reckon with them - To reckon is to settle accounts. Here it means to inquire into their faithfulness, and to reward or punish them accordingly. read more

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