Matthew 24:48

48 But if that wicked slave says to himself, "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 Blessed is that slave whom his master will find at work when he arrives.

47 Truly I tell you, he will put that one in charge of all his possessions.

48 But if that wicked slave says to himself, "My master is delayed,'

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

50 the master of that slave will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour that he does not know.