Each believer, being an heir of God, has the same amount of grace placed to his credit in the heavenly bank, on which he can draw in time of need. This is the parable of the pounds. Hach servant received the same amount. But there are great diversities in the gifts with which we are endowed. Some have five talents, others two, and large numbers only one. A full enumeration of these gifts is made in vs. 8-11, and it is a comfort to learn that to everyone something is allotted, vs. 7 and 11.

Notice that the allotment is made by the Holy Spirit

acting sovereignly as he will, v. 11. We are not informed when it is made—perhaps it is at the moment of our regeneration or adoption—but it is important to bear in mind that our gifts will probably correspond with our natural endowment. Hence our Lord tells us that to every man was given according to his several ability, Matt. 25:15.

Mark the allusion to the Divine Trinity: the same Spirit, v. 4; the same Lord, v. 5; the same God, v. 6. The Spirit directs, the Saviour is the channel of supply, and the Father is the fountain of all.