The teaching of this parable is illustrated in God's own dealing with men and angels. Satan is a deceiver. When he sinned in heaven, even the loyal angels did not fully discern his character. This was why God did not at once destroy Satan. Had He done so, the holy angels would not have perceived the justice and love of God. A doubt of God's goodness would have been as evil seed that would yield the bitter fruit of sin and woe. Therefore the author of evil was spared, fully to develop his character. Through long ages God has borne the anguish of beholding the work of evil, He has given the infinite Gift of Calvary, rather than leave any to be deceived by the misrepresentations of the wicked one; for the tares could not be plucked up without danger of uprooting the precious grain. And shall we not be as forbearing toward our fellow men as the Lord of heaven and earth is toward Satan?

Verden har ingen ret til at tvivle på, at kristendommen er sand, fordi der findes uværdige medlemmer i menigheden, og de kristne burde heller ikke blive modløse på grund af disse falske brødre. Hvordan forholdt det sig med den første menighed? Ananias og Safira sluttede sig til disciplene. Simon troldmand blev døbt. Demas, der forlod Paulus, var blevet regnet for en troende. Judas Iskariot blev regnet med blandt apostlene, Forløseren ønskede ikke at miste et eneste menneske. Hans erfaringer med Judas er nedskrevet for at vise os hans store tålmodighed med den fordærvede natur som mennesket ejer og han beder os bære over med dem, ligesom han gjorde. Han har sagt, at der vil findes falske brødre i menigheden lige til tidens ende.