Church History: The design of the parable of the talents is to teach that those who improve their talents or faculties in the cause of religion, who improve them to their own salvation, and in doing good to others, shall be proportionally rewarded. But they who neglect their talents, and neither secure their own salvation or do good to others, will be punished. The kingdom of heaven is like such a man; that is, God deals with men, in his government, as this man did.
His own servants are those who have been judged worthy of this trust. These represent the apostles, Christian ministers, professing Christians, and perhaps all men. The going into a far country may represent the Lord Jesus going into heaven. He has given to us all talents to improve, (Ephesians 4:8). His goods are the property representing the offices, abilities, and opportunities for doing good, which he has given to his professed followers.
To one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, According to his own ability. According to the ability of each one to improve it. So it is in the church and the world. God gives men stations which he judges them qualified to fill, and requires them to fill them. So he makes distinctions among men in regard to abilities, and in the powers and opportunities of usefulness; requiring them only to occupy those stations, and discharge their duties there. (1Corinthians 4:7)
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