1. In proper terms; Blessed is that servant, ver. 46 he is certainly
we find, (I.) An evangelical pastor described. (II.) The reward of such as answer that description, propounded.
I. Christ's description of an evangelical pastor, ver. 45 which he doth by two excellent and essential properties, or qualifications,
Πισος, και φρονιμος, faithful and wise; both which make up the character of a complete gospel-minister: for if he be faithful, he deceives not others; and if wise, or prudent, he is not apt to be deceived himself: his prudence suffers not deceivers easily to impose upon him; and his faithfulness will not suffer him knowingly to impose upon his people. His prudence will enable him to discern, and his faithfulness oblige him to distribute wholesome food to his flock. These two therefore meeting together, make a pastor after God's own heart, according to Jer. 3:15.
Both these are found in an interrogative form of speech in the text, but it is agreed, that τις is put conditionally for ει τις, and is rather hypothetical, than interrogatory: but in this form of speech it insinuates the rarity and difficulty of finding such a servant. He is
Σπάνιο σκαι δευσευρετος, as Theophylact glosseth it. And Chrysostom, by way of admiration, Quam rari, et præstantes essent tales! i.e. 'How rare and excellent would such servants be?' These are their properties.
II. The reward of those that answer these characters, is propounded, (1) In proper, and (2) In metaphorical terms.
1. In proper terms; Blessed is that servant, ver. 46 he is certainly blessed of God, whatever his usage be from men. If he be faithful, all his prudence will not secure him from the hatred and persecution of men, but it is enough that Christ calls and counts him blessed; and those whom he blesseth, are truly and eternally blessed.
2. In metaphorical terms; ver. 47. "Verily, I say unto you, that he shall make him ruler over all his goods." In allusion to the custom of great kings and generals, who use to prefer and advance discreet and faithful servants to places of eminent trust, profit, and honour; as Daniel and Joseph were. The sense thus cleared, runs naturally and easily into this,