Matthew 24:48

48 But if that wicked slave says in his heart, 'My master is delayed,'

Matthew 24:48 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 24:48

But and if that evil servant
Or should there be an evil servant, an unwise and faithless one, who though he may have gifts and talents, yet destitute of the grace of God; and though he may be in the highest post and office in the church of God for sometimes wicked and graceless men are in such places; yet if he shall say in his heart;
secretly to himself, and with pleasure to his mind, and strengthen himself in a full persuasion of this, my Lord delayeth his coming;
and begins to think that either he will not come at all, to call him to an account for the use of his time, gifts, and talents; or if he does, it will be long first ere he will come, and visit the people of the Jews, by desolating calamities; or by death, to summon him to his bar; or at judgment, to give in his account of his stewardship.

Matthew 24:48 In-Context

46 That slave whose master finds him working when he comes will be rewarded.

47 I assure you: He will put him in charge of all his possessions.

48 But if that wicked slave says in his heart, 'My master is delayed,'

49 and starts to beat his fellow slaves, and eats and drinks with drunkards,

50 that slave's master will come on a day he does not expect and at an hour he does not know.