Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Luke 19:16-21
Luke 19:16-21. Then came the first The modesty of these servants is remarkable. They do not say that they themselves had gained the ten or the five pounds; but that the pound which their lord had intrusted to their management had gained them, attributing their success, not to themselves, but to the gifts of his grace. And he said, Well done, thou good servant The first servant, having been very diligent and successful, was greatly applauded by his Lord, who rewarded him by raising him to... read more
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 19:20
A napkin - A towel. He means by it that he had not wasted it nor thrown it by carelessly, but had been “very careful” of it; so much so as to be at the pains to tie it up in a towel and put it in a safe place, as if he had been “very faithful” to his trust. So many people employ their talents, their learning, their property, their influence. They “have” them; they “keep” them; but they never “use” them in the service of the Lord Jesus; and, in regard to their influence on the church or the... read more