The careful use, control and management of the possessions of another that have been entrusted to one. The term is also used to refer to the responsible use of wealth and possessions by Christians.
Individuals acting as stewards
Adam in the Garden of Eden
Then the LORD God took the man and placed him in the Garden of Eden to cultivate and keep it.
Joseph in Potiphar's household
Joseph found favor in his sight and became his personal attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household and entrusted him with everything he owned. From the time that he put Joseph in charge of his household and all he owned, the LORD blessed the Egyptian’s household on account of him. The LORD’s blessing was on everything he owned, both in his house and in his field. So Potiphar left all that he owned in Joseph’s care; he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate. Now Joseph was well-built and handsome,
Daniel as administrator in Babylon
Now it pleased Darius to appoint 120 satraps to rule throughout the kingdom, and over them three administrators, including Daniel, to whom these satraps were accountable so that the king would not suffer loss. Soon, by his extraordinary spirit, Daniel distinguished himself among the administrators and satraps. So the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.
Groups acting as stewards
The priests serving in the tabernacle
See also Leviticus 22:9; 1 Samuel 2:15
The seven chosen by the Jerusalem church
Household stewards
Genesis 43:16, Genesis 44:1–12; 2 Samuel 16:1, 2 Samuel 19:17; Esther 1:8
Jesus Christ's teaching on stewardship
Using parables to emphasise accountability
Luke 16:1–12 See also Matthew 25:14–30; Luke 19:12–27
Emphasising each individual's responsibility
Luke 12:48 See also Matthew 12:36
But the one who unknowingly does things worthy of punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and from him who has been entrusted with much, even more will be demanded.
The apostles continued this teaching
Romans 14:12 See also 1 Peter 4:4–5
So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.
To be a good steward is an honourable thing
1 Timothy 3:13 See also Proverbs 27:18
For those who have served well as deacons acquire for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
Christians are entrusted with the stewardship of the gospel
1 Corinthians 4:1–2 See also 1 Corinthians 9:17; 2 Corinthians 5:19–21; Galatians 1:15–16, Galatians 2:7; 1 Thessalonians 2:4; 1 Timothy 1:11, 1 Timothy 4:14, 1 Timothy 6:20; 2 Timothy 1:14; Titus 1:3, Titus 1:7
So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.
Christians are to be wise stewards of their God-given gifts
For who makes you so superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?
They are to use their gifts to benefit others
As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another. If anyone speaks, he should speak as one conveying the words of God. If anyone serves, he should serve with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.
They are to develop their gifts
See also 1 Timothy 4:14–15
They are to care for their bodies
Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a man can commit is outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body.
Believers are to be wise stewards of their material possessions
You might say in your heart, “The power and strength of my hands have made this wealth for me.” But remember that it is the LORD your God who gives you the power to gain wealth, in order to confirm His covenant that He swore to your fathers even to this day.
Jesus Christ's teaching on sharing possessions
Matthew 19:21 parallels Mark 10:21, Luke 18:22 See also Matthew 6:1–4, Matthew 6:19–21; Luke 6:38, Luke 21:1–4; Acts 20:35
Jesus told him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.”
Sharing of possessions among the first Christians
Acts 4:32–35 See also 2 Corinthians 8:1–5
The multitude of believers was one in heart and soul. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they owned. With great power the apostles continued to give their testimony about the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And abundant grace was upon them all. There were no needy ones among them, because those who owned lands or houses would sell their property, bring the proceeds from the sales, and lay them at the apostles’ feet for distribution to anyone as he had need.
The apostle Paul's teaching on sharing possessions
Related themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes © 1999 Martin Manser, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Bible Aquifer. Formatted for this site, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.