Matthew 24:48

Matthew 24:48. But if that evil servant. The form is changed from that in Matthew 24:45, as if to intimate that such cases would readily occur, without need of special inquiry. The verse is a caution to the faithful to persevere, and a warning to those who intrude into the ministry.

Shall say, not openly, for the official position forbids that; but in his heart, and in his conduct (Matthew 24:49).

My lord delayeth to come. This implies that a long delay would occur. The servant began well, and still recognizes Christ as His Lord (‘my lord'). The spring of all his evil conduct was unbelief; whether the Lord came sooner or later, his duty remained the same.