Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 13:21

"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." — Matthew 13:21 (ASV)

The person who receives the message of the kingdom in a thoughtless way may show immediate signs of life and promise to be the best of the crop: he or she receives the truth “with joy.” But without real root, there is no fruit; and external pressures, trouble, and persecution (cf. 24:9, 21, 29), like sun beating on a rootless plant, soon reveal the shallowness of this soil. Just as quickly such people fall away. Such temporary disciples are always numerous in times of revival and were so in Jesus’ ministry (cf. comments on 12:32).