Luke 19:17

And he said vnto him, Well, thou good seruant: because thou hast bene faithfull in a very little, haue thou authoritie ouer ten cities. Luke 19:17 (KJV)

Luke 19:17 is part of the Parable of the Minas (also known as the Parable of the Ten Servants) told by Jesus. This parable is recorded only in the Gospel of Luke (Luke 19:11‑27) and was shared during His final journey to Jerusalem before His crucifixion.

In the parable a nobleman goes to a distant country to receive a kingdom and then return. Before departing he gives ten of his servants equal amounts of money, called minas, and instructs them to engage in business until his return. One servant, who received a single mina, worked diligently and earned ten minas. When the nobleman returned, he praised the servant, calling him a good servant because he had been faithful in a very little.

As a reward for that faithfulness, the servant is granted authority over ten cities. This detail emphasizes the principle that those who prove themselves faithful with small responsibilities will be entrusted with greater responsibilities and authority in God’s kingdom.

The parable teaches the importance of faithfulness in the small tasks or responsibilities we have been given. It reminds us that God values our faithfulness even in seemingly insignificant aspects of life. It also highlights the concept of stewardship: we are entrusted with resources, abilities, and time, and we are called to use them wisely and productively for the kingdom of God. We will be held accountable for how we have utilized these gifts.

Furthermore, the passage points to a future reward and responsibility in the kingdom of God. Our faithfulness on earth will have implications for our role and authority in the age to come. God rewards those who are faithful with eternal blessings and greater responsibilities in His kingdom.

The Parable of the Minas therefore conveys multiple layers of meaning and application. It is essential to study the Bible in its entirety and consider the various teachings it offers in order to gain a holistic understanding of this and other passages.