Albert Barnes Commentary Luke 16:1

"And he said also unto the disciples, There was a certain rich man, who had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he was wasting his goods." — Luke 16:1 (ASV)

His disciples. The word disciples, here, is not to be restricted to the twelve apostles or to the seventy. The parable appears to have been addressed to all the professed followers of the Savior who were present when it was delivered. It is connected with that in the preceding chapter.

Jesus had been speaking there with the scribes and Pharisees, and vindicating his conduct in kindly receiving publicans and sinners. These publicans and sinners are particularly referred to here by the word disciples. It was with reference to them that the whole discourse had arisen. After Jesus had shown the Pharisees, in the preceding chapter, the propriety of his conduct, it was natural that he should turn and address his disciples.

Among them there might have been some who were wealthy. The publicans were engaged in receiving taxes, in collecting money, and their chief danger arose from that source—from covetousness or dishonesty. Jesus always adapted his instructions to the circumstances of his hearers, and it was proper, therefore, that he should give these disciples instructions about their specific duties and dangers.

He related this parable, therefore, to show them the danger of the love of money; the guilt to which it would lead (Luke 16:1); the perplexities and expedients to which it would drive a person once they had been dishonest (Luke 16:3–7); the necessity of using money rightly, since it was their chief business (Luke 16:9); the fact that if they would serve God rightly they must give up supreme attachment to money (Luke 16:13); and that the first duty of religion demanded that they should resolve to serve God and be honest in the use of the wealth entrusted to them.

This parable has caused great perplexity, and many ways have been devised to explain it. The solution presented above is the simplest; and if these plain principles are kept in view, it will not be difficult to give a consistent explanation of its particular parts. It should be kept in mind, however, that in this, as well as in other parables, we are not to endeavor to spiritualize every circumstance or allusion. We are to keep in view the great moral truth taught in it—that we cannot serve God and mammon—and that all attempts to do this will involve us in difficulty and sin.

A steward. This refers to one who has charge of the affairs of a family or household, whose duty it is to provide for the family, purchase provisions, etc. This is, of course, an office of trust and confidence. It affords great opportunity for dishonesty, waste, and embezzling property. The master's eye cannot always be on the steward, and he may therefore squander the property or hoard it for his own use. It was an office commonly conferred on a slave as a reward for fidelity and, of course, was given to one who, in long service, had shown himself most trustworthy.

By the rich man, here, God is undoubtedly represented. By the steward, are represented those who are his professed followers—particularly the publicans who were with the Savior, and whose chief danger arose from the temptations to the improper use of the money entrusted to them.

Was accused. Complaint was made.

Had wasted. Had squandered or scattered it; had not been prudent and saving.