Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 25:21

"His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will set thee over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy lord." — Matthew 25:21 (ASV)

The accounting begins “after a long time,” the implication being that the consummation of the kingdom will be long delayed (24:48; 25:5). “Settled accounts” is a standard commercial term. The first servant, who doubled his five talents, is praised especially for his faithfulness and is given two things: increased responsibility and a share in his master’s “joy.” Jesus suggests by this that the consummated kingdom will provide glorious new responsibilities and holy delight (cf. Romans 8:17).

The second servant has likewise been faithful with what had been given him; he hears the same words as the first servant and receives increased responsibility to the limits of his capacity.