(15) And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and
straightway took his journey.
To a few chosen servants, God gives five talents to fulfill special needs in the church. These may be evangelists, pastors,
or teachers, and their knowledge of spiritual truths along with their gift to preach carries great responsibility (James 3:1).
As a result, God expects more of them than others less gifted (Romans 12:6; Ephesians 4:11-12; Luke 12:48).
James 3:1
My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation
Romans 12:6
Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith
Ephesians 4:11-12
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Luke 12:48
But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
Perhaps most members of God’s church have two talents. They may be deacons with a natural desire to serve the church in physical
ways. Maybe they are those who give opening and closing prayers or have a musical talent to help others offer up praise to God
the Father and Jesus Christ. They may have a gift in organizing activities or in helping children or the elderly. As gifts, these
are somewhat less notable than the more evident ones (Romans 12:8).
Romans 12:8
Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
The servant with one talent describes the potential sluggard in Christ’s service (Proverbs 6:6). Yet those of us who have the least
must serve God with what we have, and if we serve Him faithfully with the little He has given, honor and reward will be ours. We
must support the church in less noticeable yet vital ways, such as in prayer, encouragement, contributions, and positive attitudes
(Acts 12:5; Luke 11:9-13).
Proverbs 6:6
Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:
Acts 12:5
Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.
Luke 11:9-13
9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
11 If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?
12 Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?
13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
