Giving of talents

For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?

Skill, ability and knowledge given by God for the making of the Tent of Meeting:

Ex 28:3; Ex 31:3–6; Ex 35:31–35; Ex 36:1–2

Dt 8:18; 2 Sa 22:34–35; Ps 18:33–34; Mt 25:15; Ac 7:10; Ro 12:6; 1 Co 12:7–8; 2 Co 3:5; Eph 3:7; Eph 4:7

Talents differ

Matthew 25:15 ESV

To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away.

See also 2 Ch 2:13–14; Ro 12:6; 1 Co 7:7; 1 Co 12:4–6; Eph 4:11

Talents need to be developed

2 Timothy 1:6 ESV

For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands,

Talents are to be devoted to God

For his own glory

1 Peter 4:11 ESV

whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

See also Ex 35:10; Ex 35:25; 1 Ki 7:40; 1 Ch 9:13; Ps 33:2–3; Ps 137:4–5; 1 Co 10:31

For the good of others

1 Peter 4:10 ESV

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:

See also 1 Co 12:7; 1 Co 14:12; Eph 4:12

Talents are to be accounted for

Matthew 25:19 ESV

Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them.

Rewards according to use or misuse of talents

Matthew 25:21 ESV

His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’