I will not (ου θελω). So many old manuscripts, though the Vatican manuscript (B) has the order of the two sons reversed. Logically…

But what think ye? This was a way of speaking designed to direct them particularly to what He was saying, so that they might be self-convi…

I will not—The bold defiance of the answer corresponds to the rough recklessness of the classes (tax collectors and prostitutes) w…

Those poor fallen women and degraded tax-gatherers practically said by their conduct, "We will not serve the Lord." Their past evil life had been a…

St. Jerome: With this preface, the Lord brings forward a parable to convict them of their impiety and show them that the king…

In this parable, the older son says no, but repents and goes; the second son says yes, but does nothing. Who performs the Father’s will? The first.…

He answered and said, I will not
Which answer fitly expresses the language and practice of openly profane and unregenerate sin…

Parables that give reproof speak plainly to the offenders and judge them out of their own mouths. The parable of the two sons sent to work in the v…

Here, they reprehend by questioning. And firstly, the questioning is related; and secondly, the refutation is related, where it is said,