Albert Barnes Commentary Matthew 13:20-22

"And he that was sown upon the rocky places, this is he that heareth the word, and straightway with joy receiveth it; yet hath he not root in himself, but endureth for a while; and when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, straightway he stumbleth. And he that was sown among the thorns, this is he that heareth the word; and the care of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful." — Matthew 13:20-22 (ASV)

Into stony places. Jesus explains this as representing those who hear the gospel, who are captivated by it as something new or pleasing, who profess to be greatly delighted with it, and who are full of zeal for it. Yet they have no root in themselves. They are not true Christians. Their hearts are not changed. They have not seen their guilt and danger, and the true excellence of Christ. They are not really attached to the gospel; and when they are tried and persecution comes, they fall—as the rootless grain withers before the scorching rays of the midday sun.

Anon. Quickly, or readily. They do not look at it coolly and as a matter of principle.

Is offended. That is, stumbles and falls. Persecution and trial are placed in his path, and he falls as he would over a stumbling block. He does not have enough strength of principle—not enough confidence in God—to carry him through them.

The thorns. These represent cares, anxieties, and the deceitful lure of riches, or the way in which a desire to be rich deceives us. They take up time and attention. They leave no opportunity to think and examine the state of the soul. Besides, riches allure, and promise what they do not yield.

They promise to make us happy; but, when gained, they do not do so. The soul is not satisfied. There is the same desire to possess more wealth, and to this there is no end—but death. In doing so, there is every temptation to be dishonest, to cheat, to take advantage of others, to oppress others, and to wring their hard earnings from the poor.

Every evil passion is therefore cherished by the love of gain; and it is no wonder that the word is choked, and every good feeling destroyed, by this "execrable love of gold." See 1 Timothy 6:7–11. How many, oh how many, thus foolishly drown themselves in destruction and perdition! How many more might reach heaven if it were not for this deep-seated love of that which fills with care, deceives the soul, and finally leaves it naked, and guilty, and lost!

See Barnes on Matthew 13:18.