1'I told you just now,' said he, 'that you are cunning and persistent in questioning about the interpretation of the parables. But, since you are so obstinate, I will explain to you the parable of the field and of all that follows, so that you may make it known to all. Listen,' said he, 'and understand.'
2'The field is this world; and the lord of the field is he who created all things and completed them and strengthened them.'
3'The servant is the Son of God; and the vineyard is this people whom He himself planted.'
4'The stakes are the holy angels of the Lord who keep His people together; and the weeds pulled from the vineyard are the iniquities of the servants of God; and the dishes He sent from the table are the commandments He gave to His people through His Son.'
5'The friends and counselors are the holy angels who were created first; and the son of the master is the Holy Spirit who was created first of all creation; and the absence of the master abroad is the time remaining until his coming.'