All were astonished and awe-struck; and they asked one another, "What sort of language is this? For with authority and real power He gives orders to the foul spirits and they come out."

The ones on the rock are those who receive the message joyfully when they first hear it, but it takes no real root. They believe for a little while, and then in the time of trial they draw back.

Which one of these three do you think proved himself a real neighbor to the man who fell into the robbers' hands?"

Then Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this home, for he too is a real descendant of Abraham.

the ground over-run with thorns denotes such as have embraced the doctrine, but are so immerst in the business, enjoyments, and pleasures of life, as not to improve it to any real advantage.

but he said to them, you pretend to piety before men, which, however they may admire, is an abomination to God, who knows your real temper.

For wherever you store your valuables, that is where your heart [i.e., your real concern] will be also.