Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 13:38

"and the field is the world; and the good seed, these are the sons of the kingdom; and the tares are the sons of the evil [one];" — Matthew 13:38 (ASV)

The field is the world, including the Church, but the field is not the Church exclusively. For “the good seed,” or “the children of the kingdom,” is much the same as the Church, and the evil seed are persons who mingle with the people of God and live together with them in necessary association in the great field of the world. Church fellowship is not particularly aimed at, though it is encompassed by the terms used.

Bigots have tried to eradicate heretics, and national Churches have even forbidden unsound thinkers to remain in the country. However, all attempts at securing any region from having infidels or heretics residing in it have soured into persecution. Nowhere on earth can we maintain a settlement of saints alone.

In many cases, the cruel treatment of the very best of men has been produced by the notion that they were erroneous teachers and therefore ought not to be tolerated. To contend earnestly against error by spiritual means is right and necessary, but to use carnal weapons and other remedies of force is absolute folly and wickedness. This world is now a field of mingled growths, and so it must be until the end comes.