Luke 16:2Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

We are often led in directions we do not wish to go and face the reality of our existence depending solely on the will of the Lord of all creation. Thus, what pertains to this fleeting life is inherently temporary. One moment we may bask in glory, suffused with material abundance, and the next find ourselves in want, lacking even basic sustenance.

In this regard, God remains infinitely superior to us mortals, as He is unchanging and possesses life, glory, and authority eternally. The source of such insights may be known by those who seek wisdom and value the truth of the Scriptures. Luke, for instance, has given us a parable that illustrates the plight of an irresponsible steward, a man consumed with indulgence who faces his master's demand for an account: “Give an account of your stewardship, for you can no longer be steward.” This narrative is not merely an account of an actual happening but serves as moral instruction. Therefore, let each individual recognize that they are custodians of what does not ultimately belong to them. Casting aside arrogance and a sense of ownership, let them embrace humility and wisdom as responsible stewards, always prepared for the Lord’s return, pondering their actions and choices.

You are a stranger granted temporary use of your possessions. In moments of doubt, consider the reality of ownership; reflect on the lineage of those who possessed what you now hold. Evaluate the future and those who will lay claim to these things after you. Truly, to whom does this domain belong: to past owners, present possessors, or future claimants? Should we gather all previous and current stewards, it becomes clear that holders are more numerous than mere possessions. To better understand the essence of our lives, recall seeing a great tree in summer, extending its branches, offering delightful shade to passersby. You found respite beneath it, yet upon resuming your journey, another took your place. In turn, he benefited from what you had utilized: the shade, the refreshment, the well-being. A single tree provided temporary shelter to numerous travelers, all of whom enjoyed its outer gifts, but ownership belongs solely to God, who grants everlasting life. Similarly, consider the inn where you took rest; you used many amenities and left empty-handed. When another weary soul arrived, the innkeeper ushered you out, reclaiming the provisions as if they were his own.

Such is our existence, dear brother—a fleeting, transient experience! I am astonished at those who declare, "This is my estate; this is my home." How vainly do we internalize what is not truly ours and cling to the illusion of ownership for but a moment! Just as one does not consider the masks of performers to be theirs, but rather recognizes the actors beneath the masks, do we not perceive the transitory nature of our possessions, adorned like garments one after another? Are you not mightier than a king? Yet examine the king's possessions and see how many have adorned themselves in the royal finery. Indeed, you will discover that all inheritance is transient, the usage fleeting, shifting from one to the next. What defines the dignity of a leader? Is it found in an ornate carriage or a golden staff? Observe how such luxuries are not always owned, nor do they remain with any one person for long. Just as funeral bearers pass from one body to the next, so do these symbols of power transition between their users.

Hence, the apostle admonishes us with poignant reminders: “for the fashion of this world passeth away” (1 Cor. 7:31); “we have nothing but possess all things” (2 Cor. 6:10). Those who employ the world’s gifts do so as if they do not possess them. This teaching directs us toward a single aim: to live each day with an awareness of the imminent departure from this life. Be mindful of the laws to which you are subject; even your soul is accountable to the mandates of virtue, as you do not govern yourself but are subject to divine authority in word and deed.

Your creator has bestowed upon you this body, which relies on five senses for its needs. Yet these senses are neither autonomous nor independent; each serves the greater purpose. Your first eye, for instance, is drawn to the beauty of creation: the sun illuminating the universe, the moon dispelling the darkness, and the stars, though minor in light, still contribute to the canvas of beauty. Appreciate such wonders; however, avoid indulging in sights that could lead your soul astray. The Lord warned us through Matthew, “Everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:28), emphasizing the need to guard our senses against that which may lead to sin. Likewise, for the ear, it is crucial to discern between good and evil, to embrace uplifting sounds and flee from vile words that may corrupt.

May your tongue speak truthfully and avoid slander or malicious talk; let it proclaim goodness and guide others in good works. As the sacred Psalmist declared, “I will watch my ways, lest I sin with my tongue” (Ps. 38:2). Keep your senses pure and your actions just, extending your hands for charitable deeds rather than for wrongful gain. The Word teaches us that we are not masters over ourselves but are entrusted with stewardship. All things are subject to divine law; we are servants to the Lawgiver. If our own members are governed by authority, how can we claim ownership over material possessions like gold and silver? Indeed, nothing belongs to us; we are mere stewards, and our possessions are gifts from the Lord.

Upon your arrival in this world, you came without any possession. What you have received has come through divine providence—be it inheritance from your parents, blessings of marriage, or the fruits of labor. Thus, it is demonstrated that nothing is ultimately yours. The parable of the unfaithful steward illustrates this profound truth: nothing in this life is ours to claim.

Consequently, He has wisely crafted for us this present parable, which we aspire to explain as best as we can, as it is essential for those who seek wisdom. Parables convey much that is beneficial for our growth in faith indirectly and metaphorically, provided we grasp their meanings in a general sense.

We must not delve too intricately into every detail of a parable, lest an overly detailed discussion weary even the most eager listeners with unnecessary inquiries and exhaust them with excessive wordiness. For instance, if someone attempts to clarify who should be viewed as the man with the steward, or who might be the accuser, or who are those in debt who reduced part of what they owed; or the reason one owed oil and another wheat; such an analysis would cloud his reasoning and make it unwieldy. Thus, not every element within the parable is vital for elucidating the underlying truths, but rather serves to create an image of some significant concept that symbolically conveys a lesson for the benefit of the audience. The essence of the parable can thus be summarized as follows: ‘The God of all desires that all men should be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.’ For this reason, ‘He also gave the law to help,’ as the prophet has stated. In these contexts, when we speak of the law, we refer not just to that which was delivered by Moses but to all inspired Scripture, which reveals to us the path leading directly to goodness and salvation.

Therefore, the Lord of all calls us to remain steadfast in our pursuit of virtue and to orient our desires towards a better and sacred life, liberating ourselves from worldly distractions, the love of wealth, and the pleasures it brings, so that we can serve Him diligently and with heartfelt devotion. As the psalmist conveys, ‘Be constant and know that I am God.’ Additionally, the Saviour imparts to those who possess worldly riches: ‘Sell your possessions and give alms; make for yourselves purses that do not wear out: a treasure in heaven that does not fade.’ This commandment aims for our salvation, yet human nature is frail; people are often clinging to earthly things and reluctant to extricate themselves from the allure of riches. Individuals are drawn to empty boasting, comforted by flattering words, enticed by luxurious possessions, and prize temporary accolades above all else. Recognizing this, the Saviour remarked, ‘How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!’ Further, He stated, ‘It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.’ While one is consumed by wealth and pleasure, concern for godliness diminishes. Wealth breeds disdain and sows the seeds of indulgence in the minds of its holders.

Is there no avenue for salvation for the rich, no means for them to partake in the hope of the saints? Are they entirely cut off from God's grace? Is hell and eternal fire reserved for them, like that prepared for the devil and his angels? Not at all; for the Saviour provided them guidance for salvation through this parable. By God's benevolent governance, they have been entrusted with material wealth; by His design, they are appointed stewards of the needy. Yet they misuse their stewardship, squandering what the Lord has provided, indulging solely in their own pleasures, and seeking temporal honors while forgetting God, who instructs, ‘Open your heart to your brother, even to the one in need.’ Surely, Christ, our Saviour, commands, ‘Be merciful, just as your Father in heaven is merciful.’ Yet, as noted, they show no mercy towards their fellow man, but display only pride. It is this arrogance that condemns them before the Almighty. As death approaches, they must relinquish their stewardship and detach from worldly affairs, for none can evade the grasp of death.

So what does Christ wish for them to do? While still in this life, if they are unwilling to share all their wealth with the poor, they should at least use a portion of it to procure companions and witnesses of their goodwill from those whom they have aided, so that when their earthly possessions are gone, they may find a place among the heavens. Love for the needy will certainly be rewarded. Thus, whether a person gives away all their wealth or only a fraction of it, they will indubitably benefit their soul. Therefore, the actions deserving of the saints, worthy of perfect praise and heavenly blessing, do not involve hoarding earthly riches but rather sharing them with the poor, to gather up treasures in heaven and to gain purses that do not wear out, and inherit a treasure that remains. Following that, it is wise to utilize a strategy to acquire friends, those particularly dear to God, by sharing a portion of their riches and uplifting many who suffer from poverty.

Wise Paul also encourages this, advising those attached to riches, ‘Let your abundance be for their need, that their abundance may also be for your need.’ Our duty is to remain vigilant, focusing on what is to come, remembering the Scriptures that assure us that ‘we shall all stand before the judgment of Christ, that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or bad.’ If we fear a harsh and merciless fire, we must hold to God, who requires from us love towards our brothers, compassion for the sick, extending our hands to the needy, and honoring the saints, of whom Christ states: ‘He who receives you receives me; and he who receives me receives Him who sent me.’ For this charity towards our brethren is rich in value, as the Saviour teaches, ‘He who gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones will not lose his reward.’ For the Saviour of all is generous in His giving; to Him, with the Father, and the Holy Spirit, be glory and power forever. Amen.

He explained that those aspiring to be heirs of the kingdom should likewise preemptively place their possessions into trustworthy hands—the hands of the needy—through whom God receives their gifts, rather than leaving them in the grasp of the worldly realm they once inhabited. This action would not signify disloyalty to the one who has bestowed a portion of his wealth upon them or to the worldly system from which these riches come; rather, it represents true loyalty to the sovereign Lord, upon whom all creation and its wealth rely. Faithfulness in handling the resources of others, taken from this world, is the pathway to earning the trust of the Lord, allowing Him to grant you your own treasures—the riches of the kingdom of God. As this trust grows, the blessings you receive in His kingdom will increase progressively. One must transition into the kingdom of God and cannot remain a part of the worldly kingdom; one cannot serve both God and wealth.

These allies, undoubtedly, would be the impoverished and the needy, whose charitable acts can grant them access to paradise.

The Scriptures provide a vivid depiction of the increasing hardship faced by the people of Palestine due to the financial burdens imposed by the Romans and Herod’s lineage. In the dialogues of Christ, frequent references to debtors, creditors, and imprisonment emerge. This disordered system, which was gradually undermining the empire, had a particularly harsh impact on the agricultural Jews. Essentials such as oil and grain were borrowed from affluent households (Luke 16:6). Lacking the necessary resources for traditional farming methods, the people resorted to using pickaxes instead of plows. "What shall I do?" lamented the desolate homeowner, "I cannot dig; I am ashamed to beg" (Luke 16:3). This portrayal consistently reflects the plight of the Jewish community under Roman domination, and during the latter years of Christ's life on earth, their situation deteriorated further, culminating in a significant financial crisis that erupted across the empire five years post-crucifixion.

The term "Can no longer govern" reflects the reality that an individual suspected of wrongdoing cannot effectively lead until they have addressed such suspicions and provided a defense that dismisses the allegations. If they do not refute these claims, their ability to lead is altogether nullified.

Upon summoning him, the master said, “What is this I hear about you? Account for your stewardship, for you can no longer be steward.” The steward pondered, “What shall I do? My master is taking the stewardship away from me. I am not strong enough to dig, and I am ashamed to beg.” Thus, a person who lacks integrity, negotiating with his own conscience, continues along a slippery slope—from one transgression to another. He summoned one of his master’s debtors and asked the first, “How much do you owe my master?” The debtor replied, “A hundred measures of oil,” and the steward instructed him, “Take your bill, and quickly write fifty.” Then, he asked another, “And how much do you owe?” The second debtor responded, “A hundred measures of wheat,” and he said, “Take your bill and write eighty.” The master commended the unjust steward for his shrewdness, for the Lord stated, “The sons of this age are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than the sons of light,” being clever in their strategies to secure fleeting gain and enhance their status, not so much in their own eyes, but in the perceptions of others.