Fathers

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What the Fathers say

Luke 19:16

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

This parable as it is related in Luke is different from that given in Matthew concerning the talents. For in the former indeed out of one and the same principal there were different sums produced, seeing that from the profits of one pound received, one servant brought five, another ten pounds. But with Matthew it is very different. For he who received two pounds, thereto added two more. He who received five, gained as much again. So the rewards given are unlike also.

Catena Aurea by Aquinas ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

It is revealed that one brought benefit to many and multiplied the gift tenfold. Therefore, the one who multiplied what he received tenfold is set over ten cities, that is, he receives authority over ten cities, and consequently is rewarded many times over.

Commentary on Luke ↗

Western Saints

Augustine of Hippo

Or else; That one of those who well employed their money gained ten pounds, another five, signifies that they acquired them for the flock of God, by whom the law was now understood through grace, either because of the ten commandments of the law, or because he, through whom the law was given, wrote five books; and to this belong the ten and five cities over which He appoints them to preside. …

Catena Aurea by Aquinas ↗

Ambrose of Milan

But the ten cities are the souls over whom he is rightly placed who has deposited in the minds of men his Lord's money and the holy words, which are tried as silver is tried in the fire. For as Jerusalem is said to be built as a city, (Ps. 121:3.) so are peace-making souls. And as angels have rule, so have they who have acquired the life of angels. It follows, And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound has gained five pounds. …

Catena Aurea by Aquinas ↗

Bede

But the first came, saying: Lord, your mina has gained ten minas. The first servant is the order of teachers sent to the circumcision, who received one mina to trade with, because they were commanded to preach one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God. But this same mina gained ten minas, because the people under the law came to be united to him through teaching.

On the Gospel of Luke ↗