Matthew Chapter 24 verse 45 Holy Bible

Pulpit Commentary

Pulpit CommentaryVerse 45. - Who then (τίς ἄρα;)? In Luke 12:41, etc, Christ utters this parabolic discourse in reply to Peter's question, "Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all?" He now turns his exhortation to those in authority over the house, specially to the ministers and stewards of his mysteries, proposing it in an interrogative form, not only because the man he wants is difficult to find, but in order that each may put the question to himself, and see if he reaches the high standard suggested. Is a (ὁ, the) faithful and wise (φρόνιμος, prudens, practically wise) servant. The idea is that some good and true slave is raised to the stewardship of his master's household, like Eliezer whom Abram advanced to this position (Genesis 15:2). Hath made ruler (κατέστησεν, hath set) over his household (ἐπὶ τῆς θεραπείας αὐτοῦ, see on ver. 47). The word θεραπεία is used classically for a body of attendants, the servants that form the family, the menage. Christ asks - Where is one to be found fit for this position in his Church? It is the Lord who selects and appoints the steward; he is neither self-constituted nor appointed by those over whom he rules. To give them meat (τὴν τροφὴν, their food) in due season. It was the duty of such an officer to dispense the regular allowance of daily food to the members of the household. So the stewards of the mysteries of Christ have to feed his flock with spiritual food, with the Word and sacraments, and. to do this wisely and discreetly, according to the capacity, advancement, and circumstances of each recipient. The exhortation holds good for others as well as the clergy, civil rulers, the rich, all men. All our endowments, mental, spiritual, physical, material, are the gift of God, and are to be used in his service and to the good of others.

Ellicott's Commentary

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(45) Who then is a faithful . . .?--Better, Who then is the faithful and wise servant? The latter word in the Greek is that which ethical writers had used to express the moral wisdom which adapts means to ends, as contrasted with the wisdom of pure contemplation on the one hand, or technical skill on the other.To give them meat in due season.--Better, to give them their food. In the parallel passage of Luke 12:42, the word used means "a measure or fixed portion of meal or flour." The comparison brings before us one function of the minister of Christ. He is to supply men with the spiritual food which they need for the sustenance of their higher life. It may be the "spiritual milk" of 1Peter 2:2, Hebrews 5:12, 1Corinthians 3:2; it may be the "strong meat" or "solid food." There is an art, as it were, of spiritual dietetics, which requires tact and discernment as well as faithfulness. The wise servant will seek to discover not only the right kind of food, but the right season for giving it. An apparent parallel presents itself in the common interpretation of "rightly dividing the word of truth" (2Timothy 2:15), but the imagery implied in that phrase is probably of an entirely different character. (See Note there.) . . .