- Matthew 25:15, How much valuable is a Talent?
- And to 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.
- 1. Original meaning: A talent of silver in Israel weighed about 100 pounds (45 kg). A talent of gold in Israel weighted about 200 pounds (91 kg; Thayer definition; Strong Data). A talent of silver was worth (circa 1880's) 1,519.23 equals 342 British pounds (Barnes). It has a great amount of monetary value, which means that God gave his servants a great potential power that must be developed and exerted.
- 2. A talent was a sum of money, or weight of silver or gold amounting to three thousand shekels. A silver shekel was worth, after the captivity, not far from half a dollar of our money (Cambridge).
- 3. The amounts of natural gifts and supernatural gift: According to his several abilities (born gifts or natural capacity) of each one. He makes "distinctions" among people in regard to abilities, requiring them only to to discharge their duties there (1 Cor. 4:7; Barnes).
- His natural capacity as enlisted in Christ's service, and the gifts (Spiritual gift or charismatic gift) bestowed on him (Jamieson et al). The different charismatic gifts are bestowed in a manner corresponding to the varying natural aptitudes of men (Meyer).
- The master apportioned his gifts in accordance with his knowledge of the slaves' capacity for business (educated or trained ability) as well. So, God distributes his endowments, not to all alike, but in such proportions as men are able to bear (Pulpit).
- Summary: 1. Each one received different born gift (natural gift). 2. Born gifts must be trained and educated. 3. Each Christian worker receives supernatural or charismatic gifts from the Holy Spirit, which has a great potential power. Servants of the Lord must utilize and develop them for the expansion of God’s kingdom diligently.
