And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
All Commentaries on Matthew 24:51 Go To Matthew 24
John Chrysostom
AD 407
In this He rebukes such as have less care for their souls, than they have of guarding their money against an expected thief.
That He says, “Whom think ye is that faithful and wise servant,” does not imply ignorance, for even the Father we find asking a question, as that, “Adam, whereart thou?” .
He requires two things of such servant, fidelity and prudence; He calls him "faithful,” because be appropriates to himself none of his Lord’s goods, and wastes nought idly and unprofitably. He calls him “prudent,” as knowing on what he ought to lay out the things committed to him.
This parable may be also fitted to the case of secular rulers; for each ought to employ the things he has to the common benefit, and not to the hurt of his fellow-servants, nor to his own ruin; whether it be wisdom or dominion, or whatever else be has.
And He instructs His hearer not only by the honour which awaits the good, but by the punishment which threatens the wicked, adding, “If that evil servant shall say in his heart”
