Luke 19:16

16 `And the first came near, saying, Sir, thy pound did gain ten pounds;

Luke 19:16 Meaning and Commentary

Luke 19:16

Then came the first
Who were set in the first place in the church, the apostles of Christ, and who had the greatest gifts, and laboured more abundantly, and were eminently useful; such an one was the Apostle Paul:

saying, Lord;
acknowledging the sovereignty and dominion of Christ over them, owning they were accountable to him, and that he had a right to inquire, what use they had made of their gifts, and what advantages these had produced;

thy pound hath gained ten pounds;
it had been increased tenfold; or it has turned to a tenfold account, in the conversion of sinners, in the edification of the saints, and in the advancement of the kingdom, and interest of Christ. This servant owns, that the gifts he had were Christ's; he calls them, "thy pound"; and therefore did not glory in them as his own attainments, or, as if he had received them not; and ascribes the great increase, not to himself, but to the pound itself; to the gifts of Christ, as they were his, and as used by his grace and strength, and as blessed, and owned by him, to these purposes.

Luke 19:16 In-Context

14 and his citizens were hating him, and did send an embassy after him, saying, We do not wish this one to reign over us.

15 `And it came to pass, on his coming back, having taken the kingdom, that he commanded these servants to be called to him, to whom he gave the money, that he might know what any one had done in business.

16 `And the first came near, saying, Sir, thy pound did gain ten pounds;

17 and he said to him, Well done, good servant, because in a very little thou didst become faithful, be having authority over ten cities.

18 `And the second came, saying, Sir, thy pound made five pounds;