Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical context, servants were expected to be faithful and trustworthy stewards of their master's property and affairs. However, the Scriptures also provide examples and warnings concerning wicked servants who engage in stealing, highlighting the moral and spiritual failings associated with such behavior.
Biblical Examples and Warnings1.
Theft as a Violation of Trust: Stealing is fundamentally a breach of trust, which is a core expectation in the servant-master relationship. In the parable of the wicked servant, Jesus illustrates the consequences of unfaithfulness. Although the parable does not explicitly mention stealing, it underscores the broader theme of untrustworthiness and the resulting judgment (
Matthew 24:48-51).
2.
Gehazi's Deception: A prominent example of a servant's theft is found in the account of Gehazi, the servant of the prophet Elisha. Gehazi deceitfully pursued Naaman, the Aramean commander, to obtain gifts under false pretenses after Elisha had refused them. Gehazi's actions were not only a theft of material goods but also a betrayal of Elisha's integrity and God's miraculous work (
2 Kings 5:20-27).
3.
Judas Iscariot: Judas, one of Jesus' twelve disciples, is another example of a servant who engaged in theft. As the keeper of the money bag, Judas was entrusted with the group's finances. However, he was known to pilfer from it, demonstrating a heart inclined toward greed and betrayal (
John 12:6).
4.
Admonitions Against Stealing: The New Testament provides clear admonitions against stealing, emphasizing the transformation expected in the lives of believers. In
Ephesians 4:28 , Paul instructs, "He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing good with his own hands, that he may have something to share with the one in need." This directive highlights the call to repentance and the pursuit of honest labor as a reflection of a renewed life in Christ.
5.
Consequences of Theft: The Bible consistently portrays theft as a sin with serious consequences.
Proverbs 29:24 warns, "A partner to a thief hates his own soul; he receives the oath but will not testify." This proverb underscores the self-destructive nature of theft and the moral decay it signifies.
6.
Spiritual Implications: Stealing is not merely a social or legal issue but a spiritual one. It reflects a heart that is not aligned with God's righteousness and a lack of contentment with His provision. The act of stealing is a manifestation of deeper issues such as greed, covetousness, and a lack of faith in God's ability to provide.
In summary, the Bible provides clear examples and teachings that characterize wicked servants as those who engage in stealing. Such actions are a violation of trust, a reflection of moral and spiritual failings, and are met with divine disapproval and consequences. The call for believers is to live lives marked by integrity, faithfulness, and trust in God's provision.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Titus 2:10Not purloining, but showing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
The Exile.
... to the naked realities of a wicked world, and the ... he "prospered more than all the
servants of Saul ... These general characteristics accurately correspond with the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/iv the exile.htm
the Legendary History of Egypt
... of the Pharaoh, conceived the project of stealing his secret ... he might bray it; and
the women-servants having crushed ... far from the machinations of the wicked one ...
/.../chapter iii -the legendary history of.htm
The Iranian Conquest
... The six Amesha-spentas, with their several characteristics, are enumerated ... the estimable
Fravashis;** Apaosha, the enemy of Tishtrya the wicked black horse ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm
Memoir of John Bunyan
... doubt greatly blessed, because they were the servants, as I ... and unless also they
left this wicked world behind ... I had met with before; it came stealing upon me ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm
The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... to us in the records of these campaigns, we detect Iranian characteristics, in spite ...
and the fishes of the sea, and the stumbling-blocks with the wicked; and I ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm
Answer to Eunomius' Second Book .
... For if we have learned any names expressive of the knowledge of God, all these are
related and have analogy to such names as denote human characteristics. ...
/.../gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/answer to eunomius second book.htm
Resources
What does it mean to be a servant of Christ? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the Parable of the Ten Minas? | GotQuestions.orgWho is the Servant of the Lord in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgServants: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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