13:19 the wicked one. Compare II Corinthians 4:3-4. “The god of this world” (i.e., Satan) blinds the minds of unwilling unbelievers.

13:20 with joy. This hearer’s response is emotional rather than knowledgeably volitional. He hears what seems to be a happy release from his troubles and fears, and so receives Christ immediately and joyfully. But there is no root—or foundation—for his purely experiential faith. He feels good about it for a while, but salvation comes not through feelings.

13:21 because of the word. Unbelievers do not persecute believers because of their joyful feelings, but because of Christ and the Word. Emotional believers who have no grounding in the solid truth of the Word, and not knowing why they believe, cannot resist attacks of unbelievers (and of Satan) on their professed faith.

13:21 offended. Luke 8:13 adds that he will “fall away.”

13:22 deceitfulness of riches. Mark 4:19 adds “…and the lusts of other things.” Not just worldly cares and riches, but time-absorbing interests (sports, music, etc.) in anything other than the kingdom of God will prevent the believer from bringing any “fruit to perfection” (Luke 8:14).

13:23 understandeth. Mark says they both “hear the word, and receive it” (Mark 4:20). Matthew says also they understand it. The account in Luke is even more specific. These productive hearers, “in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience [endurance]” (Luke 8:15).