The Faithful and Discreet Slave

A major change in this page was effected 2016-0803 due to conversation with other Christian.

Matthew 24:45-47

Who then is the faithful and wise bondman, whom his lord appointed over his service, to give them the provision on time? 46 Blessed is that bondman, whom his lord when he comes will find so doing. 47Truly I say to you, that he will appoint him over all things being possessed by him. (ACV)

Who, thinkest thou, is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath appointed over his family, to give them meat in season. 46 Blessed is that servant, whom when his lord shall come he shall find so doing. 47 Amen I say to you, he shall place him over all his goods. (DRC)

his lord appointed, or, his lord hath appointed

With this phrase, Jesus indicated that Christ appointed people to take care of his household. We see that he specifically told Peter to do so, but many others were also appointed to this service, as we just read.

John 21:16:ASV: He saith to him again a second time, Simon, son of John, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Tend my sheep.

To the appointment, a condition is affixed: namely, discharging the assignment to Jesus' pleasure, performing as a good steward. The steward who loyally, faithfully handles his assignment will be put over all of Jesus' possessions when Christ is revealed to the world. Until then, it is a matter of taking care only of his household, the earthly believers of Christ. The wicked steward who doesn't serve the household properly shall be punished.

This is why Jesus stated the assignment as a question, so that none should assume that simply being in authority of such a household of believers would permit anything, all things, in the name of Christ. Jesus' question clearly shows that upon his coming an accounting would be rendered all who claim to be such Faithful and Discreet stewards.

In Revelation 1:4, seven different churches are mentioned. This refers to all the various churches of the world at present that confess Christ. Do some churches claim to be Christ stewards? Quite certainly, several do.

The evil steward, the good steward

The fact that at present, neither the evil stewards nor the good stewards have gotten their due - tells us all we need to know about Christ's having come or not, in this context. We are still looking forward to his 'erkoumai.' (arrival) A point brought out by someone else – a great Bible scholar – mentioned something which needs to be included. This scholar used Luke below to similarly indicate that this is not a class action, but a one-to-one personal reward, an individual reward for faithful service that the worthy receives after his examination.

Luke 12:47, And that servant, who knew his lord’s will, and made not ready, nor did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes ; 48but he that knew not, and did things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes . (ASV)

What we are left with -

- is the fact that among Christians there are good stewards, and evil stewards! This is undeniable.

- is that within different churches, and, perhaps, without, those who claim to teach, to represent Christ - are at best aspiring Faithful and Discreet stewards. They have to be approved by Christ upon his revelation, his coming.

This is why some shall be deemed 'the evil steward,' and others 'the good steward.' What this means is simply than anyone, anyone at all – can claim to be such Faithful and Discreet Slaves. Only our own vigilance prevents anyone from scamming us with lies and false claims. It is up to each one to "make sure of all things." It is up to each one to make sure that what we are being told - by such who claim to be that slave - truly is the truth.

1 Thessalonians 5:21-22: NWT: “21 Make sure of all things; hold fast to what is fine. 22 Abstain from every form of wickedness.”

Christ did tell his stewards to feed his sheep. But the stewards, or slaves, of Christ have to prove themselves worthy because 'evil' slaves exist. A slave teaching lies is not worthy of this appointment and shall be punished. All Saints must then do their utmost to teach only truth as much as it depends on them. After Christ's revelation, "erkoumai," the Saints' resurrection and glorification takes place; only then shall these individuals receive this title for good. This also agrees with the fact that they become heirs of God and joint heirs of Christ since they receive the kingdom -- and oversight over the belongings of that one.

Luke 12:44, Of a truth I say unto you, that he will set him over all that he hath. (ASV)
Daniel 7:27, And the kingdom and the dominion, and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High: his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him. (ASV)

From this, it is evident that each Christian must make sure that what a church teaches is actually what the Bible teaches. Because Jesus told us that there are 'evil stewards,' each Christian must do what is possible to make sure that he is not being unduly influenced by 'evil stewards.'

One would hope that all manners of faithful and discreet men exist on earth to carry out God's will now. However, these still have to be verified by Christ upon his coming; they must therefore accomplish their work out of zeal for God and his Christ carrying out their duty as they understand it knowing that if in this they remain faithful, they will reap the price - the kingdom. If they are judged wicked, they shall not get this price.

From scripture, it is obvious that presently there are good and evil Faithful and Discreet slaves who all claim to be 'the one' having received this commission from Christ. Until each person receives his appointment, each must do his utmost to take care of his responsibilities given him by his Lord, and be careful not to lord it over his brothers and sisters; such a slave should lovingly try to teach and assist others as needed.

It then behooves all Christians, low and high, mighty and ordinary, not to claim to have received more authority from God than actually has been given each. It remains for each to serve faithfully and according to God's Holy Word and not according any human's words and will.

That churches need leaders is a given, but let them not think more of themselves than they have the right to. Let them give ear to the flock so as to be able to learn as well as teach.