John Calvin 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)

To whomever much has been given. Christ shows by another circumstance that the more highly favored disciples ought to receive more severe punishment if they despise their calling and abandon themselves without reserve to every kind of licentiousness.

This is because the more eminent a man is, he ought to consider that much more has been entrusted to him, and on the express condition that he will one day render an account of it.

Therefore, in the same proportion, if any of us is endowed with higher gifts and does not, like a field cultivated at greater expense, yield more abundant produce to the Lord, the abuse of that grace, which he has profaned or uselessly withheld, will cost him dearly.