Steward(trustee, stewardship, overseer)
“Manager of a household”
Summary
One who manages the household or property of another, a role that Scripture applies to believers as stewards of God's gifts, mysteries, and grace.
☩The Steward's Role
A steward managed the affairs and superintended the household of another, exercising authority over servants, finances, and property on behalf of the owner. Great confidence was required for this position—Joseph served as steward in Potiphar's house, and Eliezer managed Abraham's household. Stewards were accountable for how they used what was entrusted to them, and faithfulness was their chief virtue.
☩Stewards of God's Mysteries
Paul describes Christian ministers as 'servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God,' responsible for faithfully dispensing divine truth. Church overseers must be blameless 'as God's steward,' managing His household with integrity. The chief requirement is that stewards be found faithful—not successful by human measure but faithful in their administration of what has been entrusted.
☩Stewards of Grace
All believers, not just leaders, are stewards of God's varied grace, called to use whatever gift they have received in service to one another. Each has received something from God to administer for others' benefit—whether spiritual gifts, material resources, time, or abilities. This stewardship will be reviewed when the Master returns, with rewards for faithful service and loss for unfaithfulness.
☩Parables of Stewardship
Jesus taught stewardship principles through several parables. The parable of the talents shows that servants are entrusted with varying amounts but all are expected to use what they receive productively. The parable of the unjust steward, though involving a scoundrel, teaches the wisdom of using present resources with eternal consequences in view. The faithful and wise steward receives commendation; the unfaithful one faces judgment.
Related Verses34 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Steward," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. X (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Steward," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.James Hastings (ed.), "Steward," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).
- 4.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Steward," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).