And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?
Who.
Luke 19:15-19 And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading…
Matthew 24:45,46 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? …
Matthew 25:20-23 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more…
steward.
Luke 16:1-12 And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods…
Matthew 20:8 So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first.
1 Peter 4:10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
ruler.
1 Timothy 3:15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
1 Timothy 5:17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
Hebrews 3:5 And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after;
to give.
Jeremiah 23:4 And I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them: and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking, saith the LORD.
Ezekiel 34:3 Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill them that are fed: but ye feed not the flock.
Matthew 13:52 Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.
in due.
Proverbs 15:23 A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!
Isaiah 50:4 The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned.
2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
Who then is the faithful and wise manager
The "faithful and wise manager" is a metaphor for a disciple or leader in the Christian community. Faithfulness and wisdom are key virtues in biblical leadership, reflecting a deep commitment to God's will and the ability to apply knowledge effectively. This phrase challenges believers to examine their own stewardship and readiness in serving God's purposes.
whom the master puts in charge of his servants
The "master" symbolizes God or Christ, who entrusts responsibilities to His followers. This reflects the biblical principle of stewardship, where believers are given roles and duties to fulfill on behalf of the master. The "servants" can represent the community of believers or those under the care of the leader, highlighting the responsibility to lead with integrity and care.
to give them their portion
This phrase indicates the duty of the manager to provide for the needs of the servants. It underscores the biblical theme of provision and care, where leaders are expected to ensure that those under their charge receive what is necessary for their well-being. This can be seen as both physical and spiritual nourishment, aligning with the broader scriptural mandate to care for others.
at the proper time
Timing is crucial in biblical teachings, reflecting God's perfect plan and order. The "proper time" suggests discernment and wisdom in knowing when to act, aligning with God's timing rather than human impatience. This echoes other scriptural references to God's timing, such as Ecclesiastes 3:1, which speaks of a time for every purpose under heaven.
Jesus responds directly to Peter’s request for clarification (Luke 12:41). The One speaking is “Lord,” vested with absolute authority (Luke 6:46; John 13:13). His reply shifts the focus from curiosity about others to personal accountability, underscoring that Christ Himself defines faithful service (John 21:22).
Faithful: consistently loyal to the Master’s will (1 Corinthians 4:2; Revelation 2:10).
Wise: applies truth with discernment, making choices that honor God (Proverbs 9:10; James 3:13).
Manager (steward): a household servant entrusted with oversight (Matthew 24:45, parallel passage).
Key take-away: effectiveness in Christ’s kingdom requires both unwavering commitment and Spirit-directed prudence.
• Authority is delegated, not seized (John 3:27).
• The Master remains owner; stewards act under His direction (Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 6:9).
• Responsibility extends to caring for fellow servants, not “lording it” over them (1 Peter 5:3; Mark 10:42-45).
• God entrusts different levels of oversight—parents (Deuteronomy 6:6-7), church leaders (Acts 20:28), employers (Ephesians 6:5-9)—yet the principle stays the same: service for His glory.
The steward’s chief task is timely provision.
• Spiritual nourishment: “feed My sheep” (John 21:15-17); preach the word “in season and out of season” (2 Timothy 4:2).
• Practical care: meet real needs when they arise (Acts 4:34-35; Galatians 6:10).
• Consistency: serve “at the proper time,” neither lagging nor rushing ahead of God’s schedule (Ecclesiastes 3:1; Proverbs 3:27-28).
Luke 12:42 paints a living portrait of stewardship: the Lord of the household entrusts dependable, discerning servants to care for others by providing what they need, when they need it. Faithfulness, wisdom, delegated authority, and timely service mark the believer who hears Christ’s call and embraces the honor of managing His household until He returns.
(42-46) Who then is that faithful and wise steward?--See Notes on Matthew 24:45-51. Here the words come as an answer to Peter's question. The promise was spoken, not for the Twelve only, but for every faithful and wise steward. The words are as the germ of the parable which sets forth the wisdom, though not the faithfulness, of the Unjust Steward (Luke 16:8-10). If wisdom and prudence alone deserved the praise there bestowed on it, what would be due to wisdom and faithfulness united? In St. Paul's words, "It is required in stewards that a man be found faithful" (1Corinthians 4:2), we may, perhaps, recognise one of the many traces left on his Epistles by the companionship of St. Luke. (See Introduction.)Verses 42-44. - And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath. Jesus goes on with his discourse. Apparently he pays no heed to Peter's question, but really he answers it fully, giving in fact more details on the subject of rewards to the faithful in the life to come than even Peter's question required. "Who then," asks the Lord, "is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler ever his household?" Who? Peter must answer the question. This steward should be Peter himself and each of Peter's chosen companions. This high position of steward in the household of the Lord should be filled by those whom Jesus had specially chosen. If, when he came again, the Lord found these faithful to their solemn trust, then these should receive a still higher and grander recompense even than that inconceivably splendid reward (mentioned in ver. 37) which had so struck Peter; and the higher recompense which these, the faithful and wise stewards, should then receive would be the being made rulers over all that the Lord hath. The answer of the Master then told Peter that all his followers, if found true and loyal, should receive the reward promised (in ver. 37) to the watching servants, who in the world to come would be not the servants but the friends of God. While the few, the chosen apostles of the Lord, if they endured to the end, if they were found wise and faithful, to them would be given in the new life a yet more glorious recompense; they would be set in some special position of government and dominion in the glorious city of God. This teaches, too, indirectly, but with great clearness, that in the heaven-life all Christ's redeemed will enjoy in the friendship of God a perfect blessedness. Still, in that perfect blessedness which will be the heritage of all the redeemed, there will still be degrees in glory.