Matthew 25

Matthew 25:1

THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN OR THE NEW CHURCH LIKENED TO TEN VIRGINS V. 1-13

1. “Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins,” (tote homoiothesetai he basileia ton ouranon deka parthebois) “At that time the kingdom of heaven (the New Covenant church fellowship) shall be similar to ten virgins;” The “at that time” refers to the same time period of the Lord’s coming in the air, of the previous chapter, in the same context of Mat 24:40-51; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.
2. “Who took their lamps,” (labousai tas lampadas heauton) “Who upon taking their lamps,” with five of the ten virgins looking for, anticipating, prepared for the bridegroom’s coming, as watchful ones, Luke 21:34-36; Hebrews 9:28. They are also referred to as those who “love His appearing,” 2 Timothy 4:8.
3. “And went forth to meet the bridegroom.” (ekselthon eis hupantesin tou numphiou) “Went forth to a meeting of the bridegroom,” went forth from their homes, for a face-to-face meeting with the bridegroom, when the cry of His coming should come forth, Luke 12:35-36.

Matthew 25:2

1. “And five of them were wise,” (kai pente phrone moi) “And five were prudent,” note these are not referred to as “good” but as wise, perhaps of the same kind as referred to in the end of the sermon on the Mount, who built their lives on the rock, wisely, Matthew 7:25-27; Deuteronomy 32:29.
2. “And five were foolish.” (pente de eks auton esan moral) “Then (it occurred) that five of them were foolish or moronic,” not as bad, but as foolish ones, who built on the sand. See Matthew 7:25-27; 1 Corinthians 3:11; 1 Corinthians 3:15.

Matthew 25:3

1. “They that were foolish took their lamps,” “Because the foolish (moronic acting ones) took lamps,” (hoi gas morai labousai tas lampadas) They were saved, but living unfaithful lives, were not prepared for the wedding festivity, Luke 21:34-36; 2 Peter 1:8-11.
2. “And took no oil with them:” (ouk elabon meth heauton elaion) “And took no oil with them,” They had no light to guide them that dark and dreadful night, because they had not watched, been looking for His coming, or giving place for the Holy Spirits direction, Matthew 22:11.

Matthew 25:4

1. “But the wise took oil in their vessels,” (hai de phronimoi elabon en tois angelois) “Yet the prudent ones (the five prudent virgins) took oil in the vessels,” they were filled with or controlled by the spirit, Ephesians 5:18.
2. “With their lamps,” (meta ton lampadon heauton) “With their own lamps” Romans 8:14-16. They did not offend the spirit of grace, but daily watched for, looked for, loved His appearing, Hebrews 10:36-37; 2 Timothy 4:7.

Matthew 25:5

1. “While the bridegroom tarried,” (chronizontos de tou numphiou) “Then as the bridegroom delayed,” tarried or did not come as soon as they expected, Hebrews 10:36-37; Ephesians 5:11. The silence of the midnight air was broken much as at the birth of our Lord, Luke 8:14.
2. “They all slumbered and slept.” (enustaksan pasai kai ekatheudon) “They all (the ten virgins) slumbered and slept,” much like the unfaithful servant said, “My lord delayeth his coming,” Matthew 24:48; 1 Peter 3:4; 1 Peter 3:9; Revelation 22:7; Revelation 22:12; Revelation 22:20. Paul appealed to the church at Rome to awake out of this sleepy state in view of the coming of Jesus and our deliverance, Romans 13:11-14.

Matthew 25:6

1. “And at midnight there was a cry.” (meses de nuktos krauge gegonen) “Then in the middle of nighttime there had been a cry,” a finished and complete cry. At midnight was too late to secure oil of preparation, to correct their wrong, Luke 21:34-36.
2. “Behold, the bridegroom cometh;” (idou ho numphios) “Behold the bridegroom;” He approaches, we see Him at last; Amos 4:12 appeals to God’s people “prepare to meet thy God,” 1 Thessalonians 4:16. This bridegroom’ (Jesus) has had His virgin bride from the time of Joh, John 3:25-30.
3. “Go ye out to meet him.” (ekserchesthe eis apantesin) “You all go forth as you choose to a meeting,” a meeting in His honor, to the honor of the bridegroom and His Father, Ephesians 3:21; Isaiah 25:9; Matthew 22:3; Luke 21:34-36.

Matthew 25:7

1. “Then all those virgins arose,” (tote egerthesan pasai hai parthenoi ekeinai) “At that moment all those (ten) virgins raised up,” arose, responded to the cry of the bridegroom’s approach, Matthew 25:6. At the shocking midnight cry, but for five, it was to them a time of coming horror, 2 Peter 1:9-11.
2. “And trimmed their lamps” (kai ekosnnesan tas lampadas heauton) “And they trimmed their lamps,” they attempted to trim the wicks, began, but never completed. They arose too late; they ran too late to be ushered in (not into heaven) but into the marriage feast of the lamb or bridegroom, Amos 8:12-13.

Matthew 25:8

1. “And the foolish said unto the wise,” (kai de moral tais phronimos eipan) “Then the foolish ones said to the five prudent ones,” they cried, but their cry was too late, Proverbs 1:22-30.
2. “Give us of your oil;” (dote hemin ek tou elaiou humon) “Give to us (dole out to) or share with us your oil,” but every man must give account of himself in this matter of being ready for the Lord’s coming. It means more than just being saved, for even the saved, and members of the Lord’s church, may not be ready, Matthew 24:44; Luke 21:34-36; Hebrews 9:28.
3. “For our lamps are gone out.” (hoti kai lampades hemon’ sunguntai) “Because our lamps are being quenched,” are going out, the wick burned with a stench, so that they had be pinched out, to stop the obnoxious odor: O that saints of God would awake, arise, be watchful sentries of God! Romans 13:11-14.

Matthew 25:9

1. “But the wise answered, saying,” (apekrithesan de hai phronimoi legousai) “Yet the prudent ones responded, saying,” explaining, to those who wanted to hang on, to mooch from the five wise, properly prepared and attired virgins, Isaiah 4:1.
2. “Not so, lest there be not enough for us and you” (mepote ou me arkese hemin kai humin) “Not at all (can we do it), what we have is not sufficient for us and you.” There are spiritual matters of decisions and choices and actions in life for which each person is personally and restrictedly accountable. One of these is personal readiness to meet Jesus, the bridegroom, Romans 14:12.
3. “But go ye rather to them that sell,” (poreuesthe mallon pros tous polountas) “You all go rather to those selling,” or distributing, a right thing to do at a right time, before it was too late, Revelation 3:18-19; Isaiah 55:1.
4. “And buy for yourselves.” (kai agorasate heautais) “And simply buy (for) yourselves;” the clean linen, the righteousness of the saints, that which is necessary to go in to the marriage feast of the Lamb and the bridegroom, Revelation 19:7-8 : When the storm of testing comes, it is too late to prepare then, as the one who built his house (of life) on the sand found out, Matthew 7:26; Get on the Rock, dear friend, then build a life there, watchfully, 1 Corinthians 3:10-15.

Matthew 25:10

1. “And while they went to buy.” (aperchomenon de auton agorasai) “As they were going away to buy of their own accord (on their own behalf),” when it was too late, they had slumbered, delayed too long, Romans 13:11-14.
2. “The bridegroom come;” (elthen ho numphios) “The bridegroom arrived;” That bridegroom is the one Joh the Baptist announced had His virgin Bride, John 3:28-29; He is coming again, 2 Corinthians 11:1-2; Acts 1:9-11.
3. “And they that were ready went in with him,” (kai hai etoimoi eiselthon met’ autou) “And the ones who were ready (looking, anticipating) went in with him,” Matthew 24:44; Luke 21:34-36; Hebrews 9:28.
4. “To the marriage:” (eis tous gamous) “Right into the wedding festival,” an event that is to occur at the coming of Jesus, in the air for the resurrection of all righteous dead, and to catch away of His bride those who watch, or look for Him; As He went away blessing His own so will He return, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18; 2 Thessalonians 1:10-11.
5. “And the door was shut.” (kai ekleisthe he thura) “And the door was shut,” caused to be closed. This appears to refer to the same thing as the man who sought entrance to the wedding feast without proper attire, and was cast out, Matthew 22:12-13; and the same time event of that worldly living, unwatching servant who was cut asunder at the return of the housemaster, Matthew 24:48-51.

Matthew 25:11

1. “Afterward came also the other virgins, saying,” (husteron de erchontai kai hai loipai parthenoi legousai) “Then later (too late) there also came the remaining (loitering) virgins, repeatedly saying,” They looked for mercy when it was time for judgment; as five foolish, stupid or moronic virgins crying too late, when God shall laugh, Proverbs 1:22-30.

2. “Lord, Lord, open to us.” (kurie kurie anoikson hemin) “Master, Master, or Lord, Lord, open to us,” for us to enter, to come in, but it was too late. The door had been shut for the occasion, to be opened to the living no more; They could reach it only by death thereafter, Revelation 20:4.

Matthew 25:12

1. “But he answered and said,” (ho de apokritheis eipen) “Then he (from within) answering, responding said,” explained their day of living preparation for this happy hour had been forfeited, trifled away, Luke 13:25-30.

2. “Verily I say unto you,” (amen lego humin) “Truly I tell you all,” plainly, distinctly, absolutely, finally I announce to you all, to you five foolish or moronic virgins, even apparently saved ones, members of His bride, but not looking for His coming, Hebrews 9:28.

3. “I know you not." (ouk oida humas) I perceive or recognize you not," as prepared for, qualified for, or having any right to this festive occasion, Luke 13:27. Luke 2:34-36 indicates that these may have so lived that they were not “accounted worthy” to escape the things of the Tribulation the Great, and stand before the Lord, until they had been beheaded, Revelation 20:4.

Matthew 25:13

1. “Watch therefore,” (gregoreite oun) “Therefore you all watch,” you who are my New Covenant fellowship of church disciples, to whom this address was privately given, (Matthew 24:3) even as was also the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:1 to Matthew 7:29.

2. “For ye know neither the day nor the hour,” (hoti ouk oidate hemeran oude ten horan) “Because you all perceive not the day or the hour,” even you who are my bride, my espoused, John 3:28-29; 2 Corinthians 11:1-2; Acts 1:7; Acts 1:21-22. To interpret Matthew 24:1 to Matthew 25:46 as applying to all the saved of the world, as Protestantism does, is to ignore every basic principle of literary content and to prostitute the Holy Scriptures.

3. “Wherein the Son of man cometh.” (omitted from older Gk. Scripts) but the idea is stated Acts 5:6; 1 Peter 5:8.

Matthew 25:14

TESTING OF THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN (CHURCH) V. 14-30

1. “For the kingdom of heaven is as a man traveling into a far country,” (hosper gar anthropos apodemon) “For just as a man going away from his home (household),” (is the kingdom of heaven) the church, which Jesus left, Mark 13:34-37. It is referred to as the house of God, also the house that Jesus built, 1 Timothy 3:15-16; Hebrews 3:1-6.

2. “Who called his own servants,” (ekalesen tous idious doulous) “Who called his own servants (slaves):” He didn’t turn His worship service, duties, or labors over to just every servant in the country, See? He called His own, chose His own, and commissioned or mandated His own, not the sum total of all believers or professors in the world, Matthew 28:16-20; John 15:16; John 15:27; John 20:21; Acts 1:8.

3. “And delivered unto them his goods.” (kai paredoken autois ta huparchonta autou) “And gave over to them his goods,” as stewards or custodians of all he was leaving behind. If the kingdom of heaven is likened to this man, then it is not different from this man, see? And this man was Jesus Christ. The “them” to whom He delivered His goods, His stewardship work, to whom He had delivered the “keys,” administrative and executive authority of His work was and is His church, His Bride, Matthew 16:18-19. To interpret the Scriptures to mean that this church, called the kingdom of heaven, is made up of all professed believers, is as broad and loose as a prostitute who makes herself available to all men.

Matthew 25:15

1. “And unto one he gave five talents,” (kai ho men edoken pente talanta) “And he gave five talents to one,” to one of his steward-servants, over a portion of his possession while he was away, to be used, not abused selfishly, 1 Corinthians 10:31.

2. “To another two,” (ho de duo) “Then to another steward-servant he gave two talents,” to manage for him until his return, 1 Corinthians 12:7. God expects or requires only according to one’s ability, 1 Corinthians 4:2.

3. “And to another one;” (ho de hen) “Then to another steward-servant he gave one talent,” with view to his management for him until he returned. To each God gave and expected a dividend, Romans 12:6-8.

4. “To every man according to his several ability;” (ekasto kata ten idian dunamin) “To each steward-servant (he gave) according to his ability,” what he was capable of doing, just as the Lord does to every member of His church body, 1 Corinthians 12:18-28.

5. “And straightway took his journey.” (kai apedemesen) “And (then) he went away from his home,” from all that he had on earth, to return one day for an accounting, Mark 13:34-37.

Matthew 25:16

1. “Then he that had received five talents,” (eutheos poreutheis ho ta pente talanta labon) “Immediately the one who received the five talents going forth,” according to his ability to manage them, Matthew 25:15.

2. “Went and traded with the same,” (ergasato en autois) “He went and traded in them,” or invested them for capital gain or profit, using the talents wisely during the time his lord was to be gone, Ephesians 5:16; 1 Timothy 4:13.

3. “And made them other five talents.” (kai ekerdesen alla pente talanta) “And he gained five other talents,” or made a one hundred percent profit, that is he doubled the master’s money, by a quick and prudent investment, according to his ability. This is what the Master expects of every servant of his, no more and no less, 1 Corinthians 15:10; 1 Peter 4:10.

Matthew 25:17

1. “And likewise he that had received two,” (hosautos ho ta duo) “in like manner,” or after a similar pattern of investment did the one who received the two talents.

2. “He also gained other two.” (ekedersen alla duo) “He gained two other talents or doubled his master’s capital worth of that which was entrusted to him, in the same proportion of capital gain that the five talent servant had made, 2 Corinthians 8:13-14.

Matthew 25:18

1. “But he that had received one,” (ho de to en labon) “But the one who received the one talent,” based on his ability to manage or invest, Matthew 25:14-15.

2. “Went and digged in the earth,” (apelthon ourksen gen) “Upon going away he simply dug,” in the ground, for safety, while he was indolent, like one who hid his talent in a napkin, Luke 19:20.

3. “And hid his lord’s money.” (kai ekrupsen to argurion tou kuriou autou) “And he hid his lord’s silver talent,” put it out of circulation, out of use or helpfulness to anyone, Proverbs 26:15; 2 Peter 1:9-12.

Matthew 25:19

1. “After a long time the lord of those servants cometh,” (meta de polun chronon erchetai ho kurios ton doulon ekeinon) “Then after much time passed the master of those slaves or trusty stewards returned,” much as in Matthew 18:23.

2. “And reckoneth with them.” (kai sunairei logon met’ auton) “And he took an accounting with them,” an audit of their stewardship of management for him, in a face to face accounting, 2 Corinthians 5:10-11; 1 Thessalonians 2:19; Romans 14:10-12.

Matthew 25:20

1. “And so he that had received five talents came,” (kai proselthon ho ta pente talanta labon) “And the one who had received five talents (upon) approaching him,” to give a report or reckoning of his services, according to his ability, Matthew 25:15.

2. “And brought other five talents, saying,” (prosenegken alla pente talanta legon) “Brought five other (additional) talents, explaining,” with a sense of glad achievement, as faithful servants are able to do, Philippians 4:1; Colossians 1:11.

3. “Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents,” (kurie, pente talanta moi paredokas) “Lord, you delivered (turned over or entrusted) to me five talents,” which he had done, Matthew 25:15.

4. “Behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.” (ide alla pente talanta ekerdesa) “Just look at it, I gained five other talents,” with it, in my use and Management of it for you, Matthew 25:16. It had been a prudent, profitable and conscientious investment.

CORN WISELY USED (An Eastern Fable) “There went a man from home, and to his neighbors twain He gave, to keep for him, two sacks of golden grain. Deep in his cellar one the precious charge concealed, and forth the other went, and sowed it in the field. The man returns at last - and asks of the first his sack, ‘Here take it, ’tis the same; thou hast it safely back.’ Unharmed it shows without; but when he would explore His sack’s recesses, corn there finds he now no more; one-half of all therein proves rotten and decayed, upon the other half have worm and mildew preyed. The putrid heap to him in ire he doth return; the other asks, ‘Where is my sack of corn?’ Who answered, ‘Come with me, and see how it has sped’ And took and showed him fields with waving harvests spread. Then cheerfully the man laughed out, and cried, ‘This one had insight to make up for the other that had none; The letter he observed, but thou the precept’s sense, In harvest thou shalt fill two sacks of corn for me, The residue of right remains in full for thee.” -Trench.

Matthew 25:21

1. “His lord said unto him,” (ephe auto ho kurios autou) “His master said directly to him,” in response to his open, glad report.

2. “Well done, thou good and faithful servant,” (eu doule agathe kai piste) “Excellent (well), you good and faithful slave,” or trusty-servant. This servant had been both devoted and faithful in pursuit of what his master wanted, James 1:22; Ephesians 2:10. He was rewarded for devout faithfulness, not merely for success, 1 Corinthians 3:9.

3. “Thou hast been faithful over a few things,” (epi oliga es pistos) “You were faithful over a few things,” over a few talents, you were persevering, never weary, Galatians 6:9.

4. “I will make thee ruler over many things:” (epi polion se katasteso) “I will set you over many things,” or cause you to be a steward or administrator over many things. Our Lord’s commendation will come to the weakest servant who is devout, persevering, and faithful, Luke 19:17; 2 Corinthians 8:12.

5. “Enter thou Into the joy of thy lord.” (eiselthe eis ten charan tou kuriou sou) “You enter into the joy of your master,” into heavenly joy, where you may eternally bask with Him in mutual joy, sharing in His prosperity, Revelation 3:21; John 12:26; John 14:3; Romans 8:17; Where there are joys forevermore, Psalms 16:11.

Matthew 25:22

1. “He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord,” (prosethon kai ho ta duo talanta eipen kurie) “Approaching also the one who had received two talents said, Master, respectfully and joyfully reporting his labors.

2. “Thou deliveredst unto me two talents:” (duo talanta moi paradokas) “You delivered over or entrusted to me two talents,” right? Yes, Matthew 25:15, according to his ability or management “I. Q.”

3. “Behold, I have gained other talents beside them.” (ide alla duo talanta ekerdesa) “Look, or note carefully, I gained two other talents,” or doubled your investment that you entrusted to me. Though he had gained less than the former he had gained proportionately as much, to merit his Lord’s commendation. For the Lord blesses according to what one has, not according to what he has not, 2 Corinthians 8:12.

Matthew 25:23

1. “His lord said unto him,” (ephe auto ho kurios autou) “His master responded to him,” to his stewardship, investment report.

2. “Well done, good and faithful servant;” (eu doule agathe kai piste) “Very good (excellent), you good and faithful servant;” Our Lord offers praise, commendation, and recompense or pay for faithful service, loyalty to the cause of ones lord.

3. “Thou hast been faithful over a few things,” (ep! oliga es pistos) “You were faithful over a few things;” This is the same pledge the Lord made to the devoted, faithful five talent servant, as each was rewarded according to faithful stewardship of what he had.

4. “I will make thee ruler over many things:” (epi pollon se katasteso) “I will set you or stand you up over many things,” to preside over, administer, or rule over many things. This alludes to future positional rewards that the Master has pledged to His own custodial church servants, Mark 13:34-37; Luke 19:12-19; Luke 22:28-30.

5. “Enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” (eiselthe eis ten charan tou kuriou sou) “You just enter into the joy of your master,” of your Lord, with whom you shall be a joint-heir in the Millennial era, right soon, a joint-sharer of His fellowship and service, Psalms 16:11; John 15:10-11; Hebrews 12:1-2; Romans 8:17.

Matthew 25:24

1. “Then he which had received the one talent came and said,” (proselthon de kai ho to en talanton eliephos eipen) “Then the one (servant) who had received the one talent upon approaching said,” in his stewardship report, with a negative, sour note, excuse for his slothfulness, Matthew 25:15.

2. “Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man,” (kurie egnon se hoti skleros ei anthropos) “Master I knew you, that you are a hard, (strict) man.” The unfaithful think hardly of their Lord, find fault with Him, to salve their own accusing, inexcusable conscience, Romans 2:1; Matthew 20:11-12; Malachi 1:13.

3. “Reaping where thou hast not sown,” (therizon opou ouk espeiras) “Repeatedly reaping where you have not sown;” Suppose he did reap benefits? It was fair, just, and equitable if the Lord furnished the capital, from which normal, free-enterprise gain he paid the worker. Why should he not reap some benefit, even if he did not go into the field himself?

4. “And gathering where thou hast not strewed:” (kai sunagon othen ou dieskorpisas) “And gathering (together) where you have not scattered:” This the Landlord is due to gather when he furnishes the land, seed, then pays the worker, see? This avoidance of fieldwork by the Master did not justify the slave’s simply hiding his talent, staying idle, making or managing not the talent for capital growth for himself, and a percentage for the Master who had furnished him a job and capital for operation or investment, see? Jesus saves, then sets up His servant-children with accountable talents, requires an accounting of each, 1 Corinthians 4:2.

Matthew 25:25

1. “And I was afraid and went,” (kai phobetheis apelthon) “And fearing (being afraid) I went away,” of my own accord, volition, or choice. The fear of man brings a snare, and has torments, Proverbs 29:25; 1 John 4:18.

2. “And hid thy talent in the earth;” (ekrupsa to talanton sou en te ge) “And I hid your talent in the earth.” Was he jealous, envious, spiteful, resentful because he received only one talent? No one knows. But it is disclosed that he was not faithful with what he had, Luke 16:11-12.

3. “Lo, there thou hast that is thine.” (ide echeis to son) “Just look, you have what is yours,” what you entrusted to me. But he had in essence defrauded the master of profit by hiding or concealing the talent. To know to do good and to it not is a sin, James 4:17. Each servant is created “unto,” with view to good works, service for his master, Ephesians 2:10. Fish do not profit men while in the sea, or diamonds in the caves, or coal or oil beneath the earth. It is when they are put into useful service for men that they profit. So it is with talent or treasure God entrusts to men. They must put either or both to active use for profit or dividend to God or man, James 1:22; 1 Corinthians 15:58; 2 Corinthians 8:12.

Matthew 25:26

1. “His lord answered and said unto him,” (apokretheis de ho kurios autou eipen auto) “Then his master replying said firmly to him,” responded as He will one day to that one WHO argues merits of his own pious deeds and false prophecies to gain Divine approval, Matthew 7:22-23.

2. “Thou wicked and slothful servant,” (ponere doule kai oknere) “You wicked, mean-spirited slave and slothful one;” He let his carnal, depraved, selfish will lead him to act wickedly, in direct rebellion, opposition to the trust that was delivered to him, Matthew 22:12; He was slothful, idle, and wicked in accepting a covenant trust then breaking it, see? Ecclesiastes 5:4-5.

3. “Thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not,” (edeis hoti therizo hopou ouk espeira) “You knew, didn’t you, that I reap where I sowed not?” This is a priority principle of a good lord or master. His work is to provide, and trust you, his servant with his property, to use it in making from it a return of gain, from which you are paid and he shall live, see?

4. “And gather where I have not strewed:” (kai sunago ou dieskorpisa) “And I gather (receive dividends) where I did not scatter,” or sow, do the work myself. But I made the seed available for you to sow and cultivate, and I gave you the money to invest, not to hide in the ground, sit on it, or trifle with it in a careless manner. The lesson is that God gives talents, gifts, and helps to His servants to do His work and help His fellowman in an honorable way. And every person will one day give an account for every decision and action of life before his Lord, Romans 14:10-12; 2 Corinthians 5:10-11.

Matthew 25:27

1. “Thou oughtest therefore,” (edei se oun) “Therefore you ought,” or you should, as a duty, and as a wise servant, in the light of the basic truth in what you have said.

2. “To have put my money to the exchangers,” (balein ta arguria mou tois trapezitais) “To (have) put the silver pieces (of mine, the talent) to the brokers,” for dividend interest, or capital gain.

3. “And then at my coming,” (kai elthon) “And upon my coming,” when I came, Mark 13:34-37.

4. “I should have received mine own with usury.” (ego ekomisamen an to eimon sun toko) “I would have received what was mine with interest or profit,” a thing to be done while letting money out to strangers, Exodus 22:25; Deuteronomy 23:19-20.

Matthew 25:28

1. “Take therefore the talent from him,” (arate oun ap’ autou to talanton) “Take therefore from him the talent,” that which I placed in his trust, according to his ability, Matthew 25:15.

2. “And give it unto him which hath ten talents.” (kai dote to echonti ta deka talanta) “And give it (in trust) to the one who now has ten talents,” who has been faithful, trustworthy, Matthew 25:21. The faithful shall be lifted as high as the unfaithful is cast low. The more one gets, Through fidelity and truth, the more he shall receive from the Lord, Luke 6:38. He who gives or uses in talent and time whatever God has put in his hand faithfully shall be richly repaid, 2 Corinthians 8:12.

Matthew 25:29

1. “For unto every one that hath shall be given,” (to gar echonti panti dothesetai) “Because to everyone who has or possesses, who manages well, will be given,” at the hour of his Lord’s return, Revelation 22:12.

2. “And he shall have abundance:” (kai perisseuthesetai) “And he will have an abundance;” This is a basic principle of trust. When one uses, by gift or investment, what he has wisely, others will increasingly give or commit more into his hands or trusteeship; so will the Lord, Luke 6:38.

3. “But from him that hath not,” (tou de me echontas) “However, from the one not having, holding, or managing,” what has been entrusted to him, or to the one who has deserted his trust, like the servant with one talent man did, Matthew 25:25; James 4:17.

4. “Shall be taken away that which he hath.” (kai o echei arthesetai ap’ autou) “Even what he has will be taken from him,” that which he has abused or not used, as asserted, Luke 8:18; Luke 19:26; Matthew 13:12; John 15:2.

Matthew 25:30

1. “And cast ye the unprofitable servant,” (kai ton achreion doulon ekbalete) “And toss ye away the useless slave,” the one who deserted his trust. The “cast ye” or “toss ye” is in direct contrast with “enter thou” of Matthew 25:21; Matthew 25:23.

2. “Into outer darkness:” (eis to skotos to eksoteron) “Into the outer darkness,” separated and away from the company of the “faithful servants,” who are in the joy of the Lord, Matthew 25:21; Matthew 25:23; It appears that this “outer darkness” refers to The Tribulation The Great which follows the coming of the Lord in the air, as in Matthew 24:48-51.

3. “There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (ekei estai ho klauthmos ai ho brugmos ton odonton) “Out there (in The Tribulation The Great) will be the wailing and gnashing of the teeth,” as one who is repeatedly chastened with many stripes, Luke 12:45-48. These housemaster, or Lord and servant parables, are spoken concerning “the kingdom of heaven,” or the church of Jesus Christ, in relation to His return. The unfaithful, unserving, indolent servant of the Lord’s house, Mark 13:34-35; 1 Timothy 3:15; Hebrews 3:1-6; but what about one who lives disobediently, does not watch or look for His Lord’s return? Apostasy teaches that this unfaithful servant is a child of God who will go to hell. But not having died, before his Lord’s return, it appears that this may rather be a child of God who looks not for his Lord and may be cut asunder, go into The Tribulation The Great, and later be beheaded. for refusing to worship Satan, Revelation 13:4; Revelation 13:8; Revelation 13:15; Revelation 20:4.

Matthew 25:31

OF GENTILE NATIONS AT THE RETURN OF JESUS V. 31-46

1. “When the Son of man shall come in his glory,” (hotan de elthe ho huios tou anthropou en te dokse autou) “Then when the Son of man comes in His glory,” to end the great tribulation, the outer darkness judgement era. This occurs some 42 months after His coming in the air, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; And as described in the two previous parables.

2. “And all the holy angels with him,” (kai pantes hoi angelloi met’autou) “And all the angels with him,” Jude 1:14-15; Revelation 3:21.

3. “Then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:” (tote kathesei epi thronou dokses autou) “At that time he will sit upon his throne of glory,” to rule and reign, no longer to give rewards, but positions of rewards to the saints, Luke 22:28-30; An event that appears to occur in the heavens while the great tribulation and the antichrist’s 42 month reign is over the earth, after which Jesus returns with His saints and with His angels to put down sin and reign in power and great glory, Zechariah 14:5; Matthew 16:27; Revelation 19:11-21.

Matthew 25:32

1. “And before him shall be gathered all nations:” (kai sunachthesontal emprosthen autou panta ta ethne) “And all the races (nations) will be assembled before his presence,” those living of the races or nations.

2. “And he shall separate them one from another,” (kai aphorisei autous ap’ allelon) “And he will separate them from one another,” for the millennial era of time, in His earthly government, Revelation 19:15; Revelation 20:1-6.

3. “As a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:” (hosper ho poimen aphorizei ta probata apo ton eriphon) “Just as (surely as) the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.” There is to be a Divine order of segregation of nations, all nations or races of men, Psalms 23:1-6.

Matthew 25:33

1. “And he shall set the sheep on his right hand,” (kai stesei ta men probata ek deksion autou) “And he will set the sheep out on his right,” those who are His own, the obedient, those following and obeying, Psalms 79:13; Psalms 100:3; John 10:11.

2. “But the goats on the left.” (ta de eriphia eks euonumon) “Then the goats out on the left.” Those who do not follow or obey the voice of the Shepherd-leader and ruler, Zechariah 10:3.

Matthew 25:34

1. “Then shall the King say,” (tote erei ho basileus) “At that time the king will say;” This king is the Son of Glory, Luke 1:32-33. Here is the first and only time Jesus gives himself the name “King,” though He was, and is, Revelation 19:16.

2. “Unto them on his right hand,” (tois ek deksion autou) “To those who are out on his right,” the sheep whom He has set out there, in the separation, at that time, John 10:27-28.

3. “Come ye, blessed of my Father,” (deute hoi eulogemenoi tou patros mou) “Come you all who are blessed of my Father;” They had first come to Him for salvation and second for service in His flock. This refers to His flock (the church) Matthew 26:31; Luke 12:32; Acts 20:38; 1 Peter 5:2-4.

4. “Inherit the kingdom prepared for you,” (kleronomesate ten hetoimasmenen humin basileian) “You all inherit (enter your heir-setting) of and in the kingdom, which is having been prepared for you all,” Romans 8:17; Luke 22:28-30.

5. “From the foundation of the world.” (apo kataboles kosmou) “From (the source of the) foundation (of the) world,” or from the world foundation. The church and the millennial reign are not afterthoughts of the Lord. That God should receive to himself glory in and Through both the church and the millennial were purposed of God from eternity and revealed in time, Ephesians 1:20-23; Ephesians 3:8-11; Ephesians 3:21; Colossians 1:18; 1 Corinthians 14:24-28.

Matthew 25:35

1. “For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat:” (epeinasa gar kai edokate moi phagein) “Because I hungered and you all gave to eat,” you charitably doled out for me to eat, Matthew 10:40; Though He was the bread of life, yet He hungered among men, Matthew 21:18; John 6:51.

2. “I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink:” (edipsesa kai epotisate me) “I thirsted and you all gave me drink:” Though He was the water of life, yet He was so human that He thirsted, John 4:14; John 6:35; 1 Corinthians 10:4.

3. “I was a stranger, and ye took me in:” (ksenos emen kai sunegagete me) “I was a stranger and you all entertained or hosted me,” away from His Father’s home, in an unfriendly world, rejected by His own people, 2 Corinthians 8:9 : John 1:11-12.

Matthew 25:36

1. “Naked, and ye clothed me:” (gumnos kai peribalete me) “Naked (I was) and you all clothed me:” beginning with “swaddling clothes” Luke 2:7; 2 Corinthians 8:9. While He clothes believers in His righteousness, 2 Corinthians 5:21; Revelation 3:5; Revelation 4:4.

2. “I was sick, and ye visited me:” (esthenesa kai epeskepsasthe me) “I was ill (ailing) and you all visited me,” as He was tested in all ways, as we, Hebrews 4:15.

3. “I was in prison, and ye came unto me.” (en phulake hemen kai elthete pros me) “I was in prison and you all came to me,” graciously and unashamed you came to show your love and care, for which you shall be rewarded, 1 Corinthians 3:8; Revelation 22:12.

Matthew 25:37

1. “Then shall the righteous answer him, saying,” (tote apokrithesontai auto hoi dikaioi legontes) “Then (at that time) the righteous ones of the sheep, his flock, will reply to him, saying,” Matthew 25:34, inquiring.

2. “Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, and fed thee?” (kurie pote se eidomen peinonte kai ethrepsamen) “Master, just when did we see you hungering, and feed you?” explain it please.

3. “Or thirsty, and gave thee to drink?” (e dipsonta kai epotisamen) “Or thirsting and gave (to you) drink?” Something to drink, to slack your thirst, to relieve your testing needs, Hebrews 4:15.

Matthew 25:38

1. “When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in?” (pote de se eidomen ksenon kai sunegagomen) “Then when saw we you a stranger and charitably entertained you,” as admonished, Hebrews 13:2; 1 Timothy 5:10; 1 Peter 2:11; 3 John 1:5.

2. “Or naked, and clothed thee?” (e gumnon kai periebalomen) “Or naked and clothed you?” from shame of the world, when you were there, to cover your own name, character, or reputation when it was viciously attacked by wicked men, Philippians 1:17; James 2:7.

Matthew 25:39

1. “Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison,” (pote de se eidomen asthenounta e en phulake) “Then when did we see you ailing or in prison,” afflicted in this testing condition, Hebrews 4:14.

2. “And came unto thee?” (kai elthomen pros se) “And came to you of our own accord?” to aid or charitably assist you? In all His humanity He was tested, yet without sin. Because He is in and with His children and His church, what men do to them, they are said to do to or for Him, John 17:20-23.

Matthew 25:40

1. “And the king shall answer and say unto them,” (kai apokritheis ho basileus ere! autois) “And replying the king will say to them;” That King is Jesus when He comes to sit on His throne of glory and address His sheep-flock, Matthew 25:33-34.

2. “Verily I say unto you,” (amen lego humin) “Truly (surely) I tell you all,” on my right, my sheepflock, Matthew 26:31; Luke 12:32; Acts 20:28.

3. “Inasmuch as ye have done it,” (ep’ hoson epoiesate) “Inasmuch as you, all did,” this kind of charitable thing to or toward me in your pursuit of my labors I gave you to do John 13:34-35; John 20:21.

4. “Unto one of the least of these my brethren,” (eni touton ton adelphon mou ton elachiston) “To one of the least of these my brothers,” called sheep, Matthew 25:33-34; Matthew 10:40-42.

5. “Ye have done it unto me.” (emoi epoiesate) “You all did it to me,” in essence of spirit, as expressed Acts 9:2; Acts 9:4-5.

Matthew 25:41

1. “Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand.” (tote erei kai tois eks euonumon) “Then he will say as well to those out to the left,” to the goats, the stubborn, rebellious, disobedient, and slothful ones, to the unregenerate ones, Matthew 25:32-33; John 3:18; John 3:36.

2. “Depart from me ye cursed,” (poreuesthe ap’ emou kateramenoi) “Go ye away from me you who have been cursed,” Matthew 7:23. This appears to be His final judgment of eternal punishment for the unbeliever, at the end of the Millennial era, Revelation 20:11-15.

3. “Into everlasting fire,” (eis to pur to aionion) “Into the eternal fire;” with all nations that forget God, or all persons of all races who forget Him, Psalms 9:17; Revelation 20:15.

4. “Prepared for the devil and his angels:” (to hetoimasmenon to diabolo kai tois angelois autou) “Which has been prepared for the devil and his angels,” the old slanderer and his cohorts who have tempted, incited, and deceived men, Revelation 20:10. They have of old been reserved in chains or restrictions for this day, 2 Peter 2:4; Jude 1:6; John 8:44; 1 John 3:8.

Matthew 25:42

1. “For I was an hungered and ye gave me no meat:” (epeinasa gar kai ouk edokate moi phafein) “Because I hungered and you all gave me not (a thing) to eat,” to satisfy my hunger pangs, cared not for my person or cause, but lived for your own lusts, 1 John 2:15-17.

2. “I was thirsty and ye gave me no drink:” (edipsesa kai ouk epotisae me) “I thirsted and you all did not give me drink,” to slack my thirst; You cared not for my need, person, or cause at all, Matthew 12:30. There is no accountable neutrality toward God, He who is not for is against Him, and it will come out at the judgment, Hebrews 9:27.

Matthew 25:43

1. “ I was a stranger, and ye took me not in,” (ksenos emen kai ou sunegagete me) “I was (existed as) a stranger and you all did not charitably entertain me;” You cared not for me, my cause, my people, or my household, John 15:20-21.

2. “Naked, and ye clothed me not:” (gumnos kai ou periebalete me) “Naked (I was) and you all did not clothe me:” Like the rich man and the prosperous farm builder you all existed for self alone.

3. “Sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.” (asthenes kai en phulake kai ouk epeskepsasthe me) I was ill (ailing) and in prison and you all did not visit me.” You cared not for my being or survival, Matthew 6:24; Luke 11:23.

Matthew 25:44

1. “Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord,” (tote apokrithesontai kai autoi legontes kurie) “At that time they will also reply, saying, Lord,” or Master, much as the deceitful, false prophets of Mat 7:22-23. Flamboyant insolence, contemptible ignorance speaks for a final time.

2. “When saw we thee,” (pote se eidomen) “Just when did we see you,” in this condition? The blind, the dumb, willfully blind, the deaf, willfully deaf, the dumb, willfully dumb, do not see, hear, or speak, you see, 2 Corinthians 4:3-4. a) “An hungered,” (peintonta) “Continually hungering,” b) “Or athirst,” (e dipsonta) “Or continually thirsting,” c) “Or a stranger,” (e ksenon) “Or even as a stranger,” d) “Or naked,” (e gumnon) “Or naked,” in a naked condition. e) “Or sick,” (e asthene) “Or sick, ailing, ill,” f) “Or in prison,” (e en phulade) “Or shut up in prison.”

3. “And did not minister unto thee?” (kai ou diekonesamen soi) “And we did not minister to you?” to your common physical needs, did not care for your soul? Psalms 142:4. Yet, they had all, as stubborn goats, heard the Word, and been called, wooed, and warned by the Spirit, Revelation 22:17; Proverbs 1:22-30; Proverbs 29:1; Hebrews 4:7.

Matthew 25:45

1. “Then shall he answer them, saying,” (tote apokrithesetai autois legon) “At that point replying to them he will say,” as he always replied to the challenging Jewish rebels during His ministry, John 8:44; James 4:17.

2. “Verily I say unto you,” (amen lego humin) “Truly I tell you all,” as a matter of final judgement or adjudication of your challenge, Acts 17:30-31; Proverbs 29:1.

3. “Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these,” (eph’ hoson ouk apoiesate eni touton ton elachiston) “Inasmuch as you all did not do it to one of these least ones,” of mine, on my right, of the sheep, of my flock, Matthew 26:31, but you rather persecuted them, as Paul did, Acts 9:4-5.

4. “Ye did it not to me,” (oude emoi epoiesate) “Neither did ye do it to me,” for we be one, exist as one, John 10:27-28; John 15:19-21; John 17:23; John 17:26. They who did not care for, but rather persecuted the chosen of God, are touching the “apple” of His eye, Zechariah 2:8; Ephesians 5:28-29. Let it be rightly concluded that every man moves to an hour of certain judgment at the. coming of the Lord, for which each should prudently prepare, without delay, Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; Amos 4:12; Matthew 24:44.

Matthew 25:46

1. “And these shall go away,” (kai apeleusontai houtoi) “And these (on the left) will go away,” for final abandonment from contact with, communication with, or any extended mercy or delayed judgement from God, without remedy, Proverbs 29:1.

2. “Into everlasting punishment,” (eis kolasin aionion) “Into eternal punishment,” where “their worm (conscience or memory) never dies, and the fire is never quenched,” Mark 9:44; Mark 9:46; Mark 9:48; Luke 16:25. The torments and flames of hell will be fueled by the memorex, computerized recall, of every sinner’s conscience in all eternity, forever and ever, Revelation 14:10-11.

3. “But the righteous into life eternal.” (hoi de dikaioi eis zeon aionion) “then the righteous ones (on his right) will go on into eternal life,” where time shall be no more. The same Gk. Term (aionion) describes the conscious duration, being, or existence of the righteous and the wicked. Each is without end, cessation, or termination, Luke 10:25; John 3:15-16; John 5:24; John 10:27-28; 1 John 5:13.