1 “I told you just now,” he said, “that you are indiscreet and persistent in asking for the interpretations of parables. But since you are so stubborn, I will interpret the parable of the estate and all its details, so that you may make them known to everyone. Listen now,” he said, “and understand them. 2 The estate is this world, and the lord of the estate is He who created all things and set them in order, and gave them power; and the servant is the Son of God, and the vines are the people whom He Himself planted, 3 and the fences are the holy angels of the Lord who hold His people together; and the weeds, which are pulled out of the vineyard, are the transgressions of God’s servants; and the delicacies that He sent to him from the feast are the commandments that He gave to His people through His Son; and the friends and advisers are the holy angels who were first created;⁠a and the absence of the master is the time still remaining until His coming.” 4 I said to him, “Sir, all these things are great and marvelous and glorious; could I possibly have understood them?” “No, nor could anyone understand them, however discerning they are.” “Still, Sir,” I said, “explain to me what I am about to ask you.” 5 “Ask,” he said, “if you want anything.” “Why, Sir,” I said, “is the Son of God represented in the parable like a servant?”