Matthew 24:48

48 "But if that person only looks out for himself, and the minute the Master is away does what he pleases -

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 Someone the Master can drop in on unannounced and always find him doing his job. A God-blessed man or woman, I tell you.
47 It won't be long before the Master will put this person in charge of the whole operation.
48 "But if that person only looks out for himself, and the minute the Master is away does what he pleases -
49 abusing the help and throwing drunken parties for his friends -
50 the Master is going to show up when he least expects it
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.