Did You Know? What Role Did Stewards Play in Bible Times?

IN Bible times, a steward managed the household or property of another person.  The Hebrew and Greek words translated  "steward" sometimes refer to an overseer or a household manager. 

When Joseph, a son of the patriarch Jacob, was a slave in Egypt, Joseph became the steward over the house of his master. In fact, this Egyptian master "left everything that was is in Joseph's care."  (Genesis 39:2-6) Later, when Joseph himself became a powerful ruler in Egypt, he appointed a steward over his own house. - GENESIS 44:4.

In Jesus' day, landowners often lived in cities away from their agricultural estates. So the landowners appointed stewards to oversee the day-to-day activities of the labors who tended the land of these estates.

Who was qualified for the position of steward?  The first-century Roman writer Columella advised that  a slave who was appointed as an overseer, or a steward, should be the "one who [had] been tested by experience."  He would be an individual who has "such qualities of feeling that he [would] exercise  authority without laxness and without cruelty."  he added:  "This above all else is to be required of him-that he shall not think that he know what does not know, and that he shall always be eager to learn." 

God's Word uses the figure of a steward to illustrate some of the activities that take place in the Christian congregation.  For example, the apostle Peter encourages Christians to use their God-given abilities "in ministering to one another as fined stewards of God's undeserved kindness." - 1 PETER 4:10.

Jesus himself used the example of a steward in the illustration recorded at Luke 16:1-8. Moreover,  in a prophecy about the sign if his presence as King, Jesus assured his followers that he would appoint  a "faithful and discreet slave," or "faithful steward."  This main assignment of that steward would be to provide a steady supply of spiritual food for Christ's followers during the time of the end.  (Matthew 24:45-47)

 We are grateful to be among the recipients of the faith-strengthening publications that the faithful steward prepares  and make available worldwide. 

Next time: Keep Ready, Faithful Steward!

From the jw.org publications