And Peter said to him: Lord, dost thou speak this parable to us, or likewise to all?
ειπεν δε αυτω ο πετρος κυριε προς ημας την παραβολην ταυτην λεγεις η και προς παντας
10 Church Fathers comment on this verse · 11 commentaries
Peter, being attentive to everyone and fervently motivated by brotherly love for the welfare of those who listened, and having already gained the trust of the Church, inquired of the Lord whether this parable was directed to everyone.
It is beneficial and salvific for us to focus our discerning thoughts on the divine words of God. Of these words, it is written, ‘Who is wise, and shall understand them? Or who is discerning, and shall know their meaning?’ It is common for all individuals, whether wise or not, to simply listen to and heed what is said. However, the practice of deeply exploring meaningful insights is a trait found only in those who are truly wise. Therefore, let us seek this understanding from Christ, emulating the blessed Peter—the chosen disciple, faithful steward, and true believer—who, upon hearing something of great significance from Christ, sought clarification rather than letting it go unexamined due to his incomplete understanding. He inquired, ‘Lord, do You speak this parable to us or to all?
Is it a universal principle applicable to everyone, or is it meant specifically for those who are more advanced in faith?’ What was it that caused the wise disciple to desire insight into such matters from Christ? This will be our initial focus.
There are commandments tailored for those who have reached apostolic stature or who possess exceptional knowledge and the highest spiritual virtues, while others pertain to those who are in lesser standings. This distinction can be supported by the words of the blessed Paul to some of his followers: ‘I gave you to drink milk, and not meat; for ye were not yet strong enough, neither could ye bear it.’ ‘For solid food belongs to those who have attained full maturity, whose hearts have been trained through practice to discern good and evil.’ Just as individuals of strong physique can bear heavy loads while those of weaker stature cannot, so too may those with robust intellects be expected to embrace the more demanding and exalted commandments among the saints, whereas those who are simpler and unencumbered are suited for believers who have yet to develop this spiritual strength. Blessed Peter, recognizing the weight of Christ's words, rightly inquired as to which group was addressed: did this teaching apply to all believers, or specifically to those who had been summoned to discipleship and thereby honored with the authority of apostolic leadership?
Among the shepherds, Blessed Peter, empowered by the same authority through which Christ spoke, directly inquired whether the statement was applicable to all believers or solely to them. Specifically, was it directed towards those chosen for apostolic ministry, particularly those deserving of apostolic authority?
The Lord has previously emphasized the importance of vigilance, urging us to remain alert and prepared for the arrival of our Savior at any moment. By delaying and neglecting His work, an individual can become ensnared in the impending judgment and their own mortality, potentially forfeiting the grace that renders them acceptable to God. These admonitions hold true for everyone; however, the illustration provided is particularly relevant to the builders of the faithful community, namely the clergy. It serves as a grave reminder of the dire consequences that await those who, indulging in the allurements of this world, fail to care for the house of God and the congregation entrusted to their stewardship.
Peter, recognizing that certain parables and commandments are particularly directed at the chosen disciples while others apply to all believers, inquires about the meaning of the parable that states, "Let your loins be girded and your lamps burning" (Luke 12:35). So what is the significance of Christ in this? By seeking out a faithful and wise servant and subsequently declaring him blessed, He indicated that this parable referred to them, the Apostles. They were to be the stewards of the faithful, providing the bread of doctrine to others at the appropriate time. Additionally, you can find insight regarding the question, "Who is a faithful and prudent servant?" in the fifty-eighth chapter of the Gospel of Matthew, where the full explanation of this is given.
The discourse subtly suggested that the Lord would be hidden from humanity for an extended time. The disciples understood that the term "master" in the initial parable referred to the Lord Himself, but they were puzzled about the identity of the "servants." Were they the disciples, or did it refer to those surrounding them? Who is the one expected to remain vigilant? In his curiosity, Peter brought this question to the Lord. He likely envisioned a temporary absence of the Savior, anticipating the establishment of Christ's kingdom thereafter.
Instead of addressing His own departure, the Lord focused on what was pertinent to them and to all who remained faithful: the expectation for every devoted servant is to be watchful for their master, which encompasses separation not only from the crowds but also from the disciples themselves. Furthermore, it is clear that those entrusted with much will bear greater responsibility.
In relation to the need for a complete and unencumbered pursuit of the heavenly treasures, Jesus Christ instills in His disciples a continuous awareness of their spiritual state and an eagerness to welcome the Lord upon His return. To convey this message, He presents several parables: a) the story of the servants awaiting their master's arrival, which assures joy for those faithful servants who remain vigilant (35-38); b) the tale of the homeowner at risk of a burglary, illustrating that the timing of Christ's return remains a mystery (39-40); c) the parable of the wise and foolish steward (41
-48), which He shares in response to Peter's inquiry, “Do you speak this parable to us, or to all?” By introducing the narrative of the trustworthy and untrustworthy steward, Christ sets the apostles apart as overseers of His church, differentiating them from the general servants who answer to these stewards. The parable highlights the significant trust the master places in a servant, allowing him authority over all others (42); however, this trust comes with great responsibility. If the master discovers the servant faithful upon his return, he will be entrusted with even greater responsibilities and placed over all his belongings (44); conversely, if he is found to be unfaithful, negligent, and wicked, he will face repercussions as if he had never been a trusted servant.
Upon hearing the teaching and admonition, the apostle Peter inquired of Jesus, 'Master, is this parable directed towards us, or to everyone?' The Lord responded with a parable, indicating that the lesson imparted was intended not solely for them, but for all.
They are called to prepare themselves through vigilance and repentance, as indicated in Luke 12:36-40. "Be like men who wait for their master from the wedding feast, so that when he comes and knocks, they may immediately open to him. Blessed are those servants whom the master finds alert when he comes." He will reward them and honor them with a lavish feast, serving them with great joy. However, if the servants are unprepared and he returns unexpectedly to find chaos and strife among them, those at fault will face the consequences of their actions.
That day will arrive unexpectedly. While it will bring reward for the devoted servants, it will also be a day of reckoning for those who fall short of their responsibilities and are unready for this significant time. To deeply engrain the importance of watchfulness and fidelity in their hearts, and to caution them against the perils of complacency and the dimming of their spiritual vigilance, He shared two parables: the ‘ten virgins’ and the ‘talents’ (Matthew 25:1-30).
The Lord does not provide a straightforward reply to Peter’s inquiry about whether the previous discourse pertains solely to the Apostles or encompasses all believers. However, from His subsequent discourse, which is similarly profound, Apostle Peter would have recognized that the message regarding spiritual alertness applies to all disciples of Christ, varying by their grasp of the mysteries of the Kingdom of God and divine intentions. Those with lesser knowledge will be held to a different standard; thus, the Apostles, if they had shown less readiness and vigilance, would face stricter accountability. The phrase “Who is faithful and wise” refers to a specific servant, as noted in Matthew 24:45-51.
The term “house steward,” seen in 1 Corinthians 4:2, describes a caretaker of the household, acting as an intermediary between the master and the servants, responsible for their well-being. This was a crucial role, typically assigned to the most trusted of servants, such as Eliezer in the story of Abraham, who exemplified unwavering loyalty to his master. A servant who is aware of his master's desires yet fails to act, whether through negligence or otherwise, will incur harsher judgment than one who lacks knowledge. Although ignorance can mitigate responsibility to some extent, it is not a complete excuse, as even the unknowing could have sought understanding if they had been diligent. This is illustrated in the parable of the talents found in Matthew 25:14-30.
It seems the disciples did not grasp the full meaning of their Master's words and were uncertain about to whom they pertained. The Apostle Peter, often the spokesperson for the other apostles, posed a question to the Lord that conveyed his confusion: "Lord, is this parable directed towards us or to everyone?" Instead of answering his inquiry directly, the Savior provided further teaching that not only emphasized the importance of spiritual vigilance but also made it clear that this responsibility is incumbent upon all, particularly those who, being more deeply enlightened in the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven, are called to guide others and bear significant responsibilities.
"Who then is that faithful and wise servant, whom his lord has made ruler over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season?" This invitation is primarily directed to the Apostles, who, as the holy Apostle Paul noted, were entrusted servants of Christ and stewards of God’s mysteries (1 Cor. 4:1), and through the Apostles, it extends to all who succeed them in ministry, including pastors and teachers (12, 28; 1 Thess. 5:12; Acts 20:28). Blessed is that servant whom his lord finds so engaged when he returns: truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. Yet if that servant thinks to himself, "My lord is delayed in coming," and begins to mistreat his fellow servants and indulges in eating and drinking with drunkards, the lord of that servant will come on a day when he is not expecting him and at an hour he does not know, and he will punish him, appointing him a portion with the unbelievers. And that servant who knows his master's will but does not prepare or act accordingly will be severely punished; whereas he who is unaware and acts in a manner deserving of punishment will receive lighter penalties. To everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and from him to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded.
Passages read together with this verse.
Greek text, 15 words with lemma, transliteration and Strong’s number. Tap to expand.
THEOSIS