Luke 19:17

Thou good servant. The servant in the parable of the Talents is called “faithful” as well as good (see Matt. 25:21). Probably no difference is intended, for the “lord” here proceeds immediately to give this first servant credit for being faithful “in a very little.” For comment see on Matt. 25:21.

Authority over ten cities. The administrative skill the first servant had demonstrated gave evidence that he could be trusted with the affairs of a small province of his lord’s kingdom. He was not retired and pensioned, nor was he given any material reward. Rather, his reward consisted in greater responsibility and in promotion to a higher position, and no doubt higher rank. He was eminently successful in the test (see on Luke 19:13; see also on Matt. 25:21).