Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Luke 12:48

"but he that knew not, and did things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few [stripes]. And to whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required: and to whom they commit much, of him will they ask the more." — Luke 12:48 (ASV)

Jesus concludes this section by explaining God’s principle of judgment. The servants here represent those who sin willingly and knowingly (cf. Numbers 15:30–31; Psalms 19:13) and those who sin unwittingly (cf. Numbers 15:27–29; Psalms 19:12). In both cases there is some definite personal responsibility and therefore judgment, because the servant should have made it his business to know his master’s will. All have some knowledge of God (Romans 1:20), and God judges according to individual levels of responsibility (Romans 2:12–13). The closing statement (v.48) would apply especially to the apostles and church leaders throughout the successive centuries.