45. begin to beat, c.—In the confidence that his Lord's return will not be speedy, he throws off the role of servant and plays the master, maltreating those faithful servants who refuse to join him, seizing on and revelling in the fulness of his master's board intending, when he has got his fill, to resume the mask of fidelity ere his master appear. read more
46. cut him in sunder—a punishment not unknown in the East; compare :-, "sawn asunder" (1 Samuel 15:33; Daniel 2:5). the unbelievers—the unfaithful, those unworthy of trust (Daniel 2:5- :), "the hypocrites," falsely calling themselves "servants." read more
41-48. unto us or even to all?—us the Twelve, or all this vast audience? read more
48. knew not—that is knew but partially; for some knowledge is presupposed both in the name "servant" of Christ, and his being liable to punishment at all. many . . . few stripes—degrees of future punishment proportioned to the knowledge sinned against. Even heathens are not without knowledge enough for future judgment; but the reference here is not to such. It is a solemn truth, and though general, like all other revelations of the future world, discloses a tangible and momentous principle in... read more
4. The coming of the Son of Man 1:12:35-48Jesus’ teaching of the disciples continued without a break. However the subject shifted from ceasing to be anxious about material possessions to being ready for the Son of Man’s coming. Freedom from anxiety can lead to laziness. Jesus did not want His disciples to be lazy but to prepare for His return. He taught this lesson with two parables. This teaching is the first indication in Luke that Jesus would leave His disciples and then return to them later. read more
The importance of faithfulness 12:41-48Faithfulness is important for disciples in view of the Lord’s return as well as readiness. read more
The parable of the two servants 12:42-48 (cf. Matthew 24:45-51) read more
However the disciple who disregards Jesus’ warnings to be ready for His return and who is unfaithful, abusive, self-centered, and self-indulgent will end up with unbelievers when Jesus returns. [Note: See Karl E. Pagenkemper, "Rejection Imagery in the Synoptic Parables," Bibliotheca Sacra 153:610 (April-June 1996):191-94.] The judgments at the beginning of the messianic kingdom immediately following the Second Coming are in view (Matthew 25:31-46). Since these disciples perish eternally they... read more
Jesus clarified the standard by which He would judge these unfaithful servants. The extent of their knowledge of their Master’s will would affect their punishment (cf. Numbers 15:30; Deuteronomy 17:12; Psalms 19:13). Privilege increases responsibility (cf. Luke 11:29-32; Romans 2:12-13; James 3:1). This fact should not discourage disciples from discovering God’s will but should motivate us to maintain our faithfulness as we increase our knowledge. All God’s servants have a responsibility to... read more
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Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Luke 12:47-48
Luke 12:47-48. And that servant which knew his lord's will, &c.— Lest the consideration of the strictness of the account, and the greatness of the punishment described in the parable, might terrify men of honest dispositions, who might err merelythrough weakness, Jesus shewed them, that as offences differ greatly in their circumstances and aggravations, so shall they differ in their punishment also. To understand this part of our Lord's discourse, we must suppose that the servant here... read more