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
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