←
Explanation for:
Matthew
25
:
21
His lord said to him: Well done, good and faithful servant, because thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will place thee over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
10
more explanations
& daily audio-books
spoken by
– enjoy in Theosis App –
Start your
Bible-journey
with explanations
& daily audio-books
only 4$* per month
{"arr":[{"author-name":"John Chrysostom","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ea76859f9f8e2ffd3ee_John%20Chrysostom.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"What does the Lord declare in response? You have been a good and faithful servant, entrusted with little, and now I will place you over much; enter into the joy of your Master. With these words, He expresses profound delight.\\n\\nHow remarkable is the wisdom of the servant, and how generous is the compassion of the Lord! Indeed, what does He proclaim? \\"Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful in a few things; I will make you ruler over many; enter into the joy of your Master.\\" This implies that due to your wise stewardship of what has been given to you, you are worthy of even greater responsibilities."},{"author-name":"Jerome of Stridon","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88dcd3432c6dd41375498_Jerome%20of%20Stridon.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"The same commendation is given to both the servant, as previously mentioned, who multiplied five talents into ten, and to the one who increased two talents to another two. It is important to recognize, however, that what we possess in this current life, despite its appearance of abundance, is meager when compared to what is to come. “Enter,” He declares, “into the joy of thy Lord,” and receive that which has not been perceived by the eye, nor heard by the ear, nor has entered into the heart of man (1 Cor. 2:9). What greater reward could be bestowed upon a devoted servant than to dwell in the presence of the Lord and partake in the joy of his Master?"},{"author-name":"Anastasios the Sinaite","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c888f268caf48c19182221_Anastasios%20the%20Sinaite.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":7,"exegesis-text":"What is the talent referred to by the Lord that will ultimately be taken from the unfaithful servant and given to the one who effectively managed the five talents (Matthew 25:14-30)? Some suggest that this talent represents the Holy Spirit, which is received during the Sacrament of Baptism. However, I would argue that the individual who received the five talents also possessed the Holy Spirit and did not require a second gift of the Holy Spirit. \\n\\nFrom this parable, we can generally understand that God frequently bestows various gifts, such as healing and the ability to teach from the sacred Scriptures, even upon those who are unworthy or outsiders, steering them toward virtue out of shame for their gifts. Yet, there are those who, in their deception and misunderstanding of God's providence, mistakenly believe they are righteous, thinking the gifts are a reward for their supposed righteousness. Blinded by their pride, they ultimately face condemnation in the afterlife, losing these gifts."},{"author-name":"Theophylact of Bulgaria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989296bafed9104677d7_Theophylact%20of%20Bulgaria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":11,"exegesis-text":"Both servants, who have diligently worked for what was entrusted to them, receive equal commendation from their master; each hears the words, \\"Well done, good and faithful servant.\\" When we refer to someone as good, we generally denote a person who is kind-hearted and generous, sharing their goodness with those around them. Those who demonstrate faithfulness in small matters are entrusted with greater responsibilities; for while we may receive gifts in this life, such blessings pale in comparison to what awaits us in the future. The joy of the Lord is an everlasting joy that God possesses, as it is said, \\"who maketh merry,\\" much like David describes, \\"over His works\\" (Psalm 103:31). In this way, the saints find joy in their efforts, whereas sinners grieve and seek repentance for theirs. The saints also take delight in having such a bountiful Lord."},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"Yet his Master replied, \\"Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been trustworthy in a few things; I will place you in charge of many blessings. Enter into the joy of your Lord.\\" Here, with the term joy, He indicates the fullness of happiness."},{"author-name":"Nicephoros (Theotokis)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8958407451968d9c204fb_Nicephoros%20(Theotokis).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":18,"exegesis-text":"Behold the heartfelt gratitude of virtuous and benevolent individuals! They acknowledge that their goodness originates from God. One declares, “Lord, you have entrusted me with five talents.” Another proclaims, “Lord, you have assigned me two talents.” Yet, listen to the Lord’s commendation: “Well done, good and faithful servant!” The virtuous individual is one who actively does good to others, while the faithful servant diligently uses the gifts bestowed upon him in alignment with his Lord's intention. “O faithful servant,” He states, “you have demonstrated steadfastness; I will place you in charge of many things.” Indeed, these small offerings are merely temporary when compared to the everlasting glory of heaven and the eternal realm that God grants to those who have faithfully multiplied their gifts, saying, “Enter into the joy of your Lord.” This reflects the reward for the diligent efforts of holy individuals, who, with joy and eagerness, have shared the gifts entrusted to them, utilizing them for the benefit of others—leading to eternal joy, limitless glory, and the everlasting Kingdom of God. The Lord refers to this as His joy since it yields endless happiness and perpetual delight."},{"author-name":"Philaret of Moscow (Drosdow)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c896ffb7a2ebaf99e46539_Philaret%20of%20Moscow%20(Drosdow).png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":19,"exegesis-text":"But the Lord spoke to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over little, I will set you over much’ (Matthew 25:21). These words emerge from the parable concerning the kingdom of heaven. Herein lies the principle of the heavenly kingdom: those who are steadfast in small matters are entrusted with greater responsibilities. Would you like to witness this principle manifested in reality beyond the metaphor? You can observe on earth how this divine law operates in the lives of individuals chosen by the King of Heaven, who underwent trials of faithfulness and were found to be ‘faithful in a little’, thus being glorified and elevated as mighty instruments of His kingdom. \\n\\nLet us consider a concrete example. Did our revered Father Sergius possess much when he selected this locale for himself, or more accurately, when God designated him to bless this site? It may be more enlightening to discuss what he renounced rather than what he had. He relinquished his titles, his family home, and his inheritance; what he discovered here was a barren desert, not entirely devoid of water for one, yet utterly insufficient for many, even with scant resources; he constructed a humble dwelling and a small chapel, yet there was often no priest to serve or even bread in his hut, and sometimes no lamp for night prayers in the chapel. \\n\\nThere was one noteworthy gift bestowed upon him early on: a deep yearning to serve God; however, only time could reveal whether this gift was genuine and how it would enrich his endeavors. What did time ultimately reveal? Observe how this faithful servant was ‘set over much’ in heavenly matters while still dwelling on earth! How he now wields authority over various earthly matters from his heavenly abode! Did he not act with divine power when he called the dead back to life, or when he inspired the liberation of the homeland from the oppression of non-believers, not merely through counsel and prayer but through insight and prophecy? What greater power exists than this, capable of transforming a wasteland into an enduring sanctuary and distributing blessings, protection, consolation, healing, and assistance throughout generations, across locations and people? It is through the grace of the miraculous God among His saints that there exists an unfathomable abundance. Here is a clear illustration that in the kingdom of God, ‘faithfulness in a little leads to authority over many’. \\n\\nHowever, I address these matters not merely for wonder but for understanding. Therefore, having illustrated through personal example the operation of this universal principle, I urge you to reflect on this law itself, which, as the overarching principle of God's kingdom, applies to all, including each of us, if we aspire to be part of it. Whoever you may be, should you desire the kingdom of heaven for yourself, this parable speaks to you as well. Thus, if you wish to attain your desires, you must also strive to hear this commendation: ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little.’ For if you fail to achieve this, then surely, the inverse shall occur: you shall hear, ‘You wicked and slothful servant’; and then be cast into the outer darkness (Matthew 25:26, 30). Should you fear these outcomes, take heed of ‘faithfulness’. Do not dismiss the importance of being ‘faithful in little’. \\n\\nAs Christians, we gladly identify ourselves as ‘faithful’, believing in the promise of salvation; conversely, we view the title ‘unfaithful’ with disdain and see it as leading to ruin. This perspective aligns with the Gospel and Apostolic teachings. ‘What fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness?’ asks the Apostle (2 Cor. 6:15). Recognizing that the faithful inherit salvation in keeping with the words of Jesus Christ: ‘He who believes and is baptized will be saved’ (Mk. 16:16), it follows that the unfaithful's inheritance must be destruction. \\n\\nYet, to prevent self-deception, we must carefully evaluate who truly holds the right to be deemed faithful, and whether we possess that right ourselves. Might someone claim, ‘I am certainly faithful because I adhere to the Christian understanding of God’? I fear the Apostle would argue against this notion: ‘You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble’ (James 2:19). Yet, no one would dare call them faithful. Thus, what initially seems a simple inquiry becomes profoundly intricate upon deeper inspection. \\n\\nUpon further reflection, we may discern three essential components within the full understanding of ‘faith’: assurance, confidence, and faithfulness. When the Apostle declares that ‘without faith it is impossible to please God, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He rewards those who seek Him’ (Hebrews 11:6), he emphasizes the initial aspect of faith, the ‘certainty’ of divine truths, which can be considered the intellectual aspect of faith. However, when specifying Abraham's faith, who ‘believed God, who gives life to the dead’ (Heb. 11:6), and trusted God ‘against hope’ (Rom. 4:17-18), the faith required transcends mere intellectual acknowledgment; it embodies a deep-seated, unwavering commitment to God, an absolute ‘trust’ in His gracious promises. This kind of faith naturally receives the redemptive power of the sacraments, sometimes evidenced by miraculous gifts. \\n\\nNonetheless, even such faith—miraculous as it may be—can be incomplete and unfruitful, as illustrated by Christ’s grave warning: ‘Many will say to Me in that day, \\"Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?\\" And then I will declare to them, \\"I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness\\"’ (Matthew 7:22-23). \\n\\nThus, for faith to be justifying and redemptive, it must be comprehensively complemented by ‘faithfulness’. The Apostle emphasizes this necessity when he states, ‘Now the just shall live by faith; but if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him. But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul’ (Heb. 10:38-39). ‘Faith’ stands opposed to the ruin of ‘resentment’, doubt, instability, betrayal; whereas, ‘faithfulness’ represents steadfastness toward God and Christ through the unwavering confession of the true faith, relentless adherence to God’s commandments, and faithful observance of the sacraments and divine ministrations, using them with care as intended by God for His glory. \\n\\nIt becomes increasingly evident that the right to be called ‘faithful’ is not easily secured, despite how readily we may assign ourselves this title. Should you genuinely desire to be counted among the ‘faithful’, over whom Christ’s promise will be fulfilled—‘He who believes and is baptized will be saved’—then you must do more than intellectually accept God, recognizing that He rewards those who seek Him and that in His immeasurable love for humanity He sent His only begotten Son to illustrate the pathway to salvation, along with His Holy Spirit for our sanctification; rather, dedicate yourself fully to faith with your whole being and life, allowing faith to guide every aspect of your existence, representing your life as a testament to your faith. \\n\\nMoreover, be devoted to the King of Heaven, to whom, by creation, you inherently belong as the sovereign Lord of all, and upon embracing Christianity, you willingly accepted servitude; remain ever-faithful to His name, His commands, His service, and all the gifts and talents entrusted to you, ‘to each according to his ability’ (Matt. 25:15). It is likely that many among us fail to perceive the gravity of being unfaithful before God, conceiving unfaithfulness only in grand terms, while overlooking minor lapses. If we were to hear, ‘Come, let us serve another God’ (Deuteronomy 13:2), who would not recoil at the very notion of even a small degree of unfaithfulness? Ironically, the enormity of the sin diminishes its perceived danger. \\n\\nTo falter in ‘little’ may seem less alarming, and thus the peril it poses, masked by its triviality, ensnares the inattentive. Some comfort themselves with thoughts such as: ‘I am not like the wicked servant who buried his talent in the earth and did no good; I accomplish something. It matters not if some small part of my talent goes unutilized or is wasted; I may neglect certain commands or vows, or reserves of time that should be devoted to God; some resources I might misuse or channel solely for personal pleasure.’ Alas, dear friend, you do not judge as our just Lord judges. He grants great authority only to the ‘faithful in small matters’; hence, by intentionally neglecting your fidelity in lesser things, you forfeit your claim to the greater. \\n\\nIf the Lord does not reward unfaithfulness in minor things, and you find yourself deprived even of lesser rewards because of it, what will ultimately remain for you? False self-justification often claims that struggling to be faithful in the ‘little’ is hardly worthwhile, suggesting that greater fidelity would come with more significant responsibilities. With the Lord's words, let us silence such self-deluding assertions: ‘He who is faithful in a little is faithful also in much; he who is unjust in a little is unjust also in much’ (Luke 16:10). One who steals or squanders a small sum will likely do the same with a larger fortune. The same holds true in spiritual matters: for the unfaithful in small offerings, greater blessings would only lead to greater unfaithfulness. \\n\\nGod’s generosity is boundless; He can suddenly bestow many grand gifts of grace upon a believer. However, to safeguard them from extreme condemnation for unfaithfulness in larger responsibilities, He allows them to be tested in smaller services, thereby preparing them for greater graces. By reflecting upon such truths, dear friends, let us fervently strive to remain faithful before God in all matters. Let us resolve to honor Him with the gifts of nature, that we may receive the higher gifts of grace; let us safeguard our initial grace, that we might be entrusted with greater treasures; and at the first sign of our infidelity, let us, at the very least, be faithful in acknowledging and confessing our sins. For God ‘is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness’ (1 Jn. 1:9). In our repentance and fidelity to the little things, He will reward us with a wealth of peace within and the promise of eternal salvation. Amen."},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"I will assign you authority over many matters; this represents a reward for the devoted servant within the household when the master grants them greater responsibilities than they previously held. They receive more accolades, and their well-being—symbolic of future joy—increases. Similarly, this reflects the rewards derived from the faithful stewardship of God-given resources. \\"Enter into the joy of thy lord\\": this signifies the delight of the master knowing that his estate has been effectively managed by his faithful servants, which has led to the betterment of the household. For Christians, this message conveys that those who have faithfully utilized the gifts and blessings provided by God will be honored upon Christ's return, receiving rewards in accordance with their merits, and will forever share in heavenly bliss with Christ, as co-heirs of His glory (cf. Matt. 25:34, 1 John 2:28, Rom. 8:17). \\"Through these words, complete blessedness is revealed\\" (Chrys.)."},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The Master was truly delighted with the faithfulness of His servant and proclaimed, \\"Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been trustworthy in a few matters; I will place you in charge of many. Enter into the joy of your Master, enjoy my joy, and partake in my celebration.\\""},{"author-name":"Gladkow B.I.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88bf0ceef8c96e09a6521_Gladkow%20B.I..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"A just God does not impose demands that are excessive or unachievable upon humanity; He has endowed individuals with diverse abilities and resources to fulfill His divine purpose, requiring little from those to whom He has given little. However, while seeking God's grace, we must not excuse our inactivity by citing our lack of wealth or spiritual gifts that others possess. Those given little will be held accountable for little, yet all who stand before the Judgment must bear in mind that even small acts of goodness will be examined. The poor widow, who contributed only two small coins, did not justify her lack of resources but generously offered all she possessed to the temple treasury. According to Jesus, her contribution exceeded that of all the wealthy individuals, and if she approached every aspect of her life with such faithfulness, she would amass a treasure of humble deeds that would unlock the gates of the Kingdom of Heaven.\\n\\nThe significance of these reflections is clearly illustrated in the Parable of the Talents. In biblical times, a talent was a substantial monetary sum, symbolizing the spiritual gifts and earthly possessions bestowed upon humanity by God—everything entrusted to individuals, intended for use not merely for themselves but also for their neighbors. A wealthy man preparing to travel to a distant land delegated the management of his estate to his servants. Knowing each servant’s abilities, he assigned five talents to one, two to another, and one to the last, and then left. The servants who received five and two talents put them to good use, and upon the master's return, they had increased his wealth. Meanwhile, the servant who received one talent, feeling it insufficient compared to the others, deemed it unworthy to invest such a small amount. Fearing his master's strictness, he chose not to risk any loss and buried the talent in the ground.\\n\\nAfter a significant period, the master returned and sought an accounting from his servants. The one who had been given five talents came forward and reported, \\"You entrusted me with five talents, and I have gained five more; here are ten talents for you.\\" The master praised him, calling him good and faithful, promising him a great reward and inviting him to share in his joy. Similarly, the servant who received two talents presented four talents to his lord and received the same praise and reward as the first servant."}]}
Support this project and get full access for only 4$/month
Commentarie text can’t be scrolled on PC at the moment. Please use your phone. We’re working on a fix.
