Luke 8:15

Luke described this believer as having an honest (or noble) and good heart thereby stressing the character of the individual. He adapted an ancient Greek phrase denoting singleness of purpose. [Note: Liefeld, pp. 907-8.] Matthew described him as understanding, in keeping with his emphasis on comprehending the mysteries of the kingdom (cf. Matthew 13:11; Matthew 13:14-15; Matthew 13:19; Matthew 13:23; Matthew 13:25). The kind of person Luke describes will follow Jesus faithfully and bear fruit.

"Jesus’ emphasis here is not so much on whether a person perseveres but on the kind of person who does persevere." [Note: Ibid., p. 908.]

In summary, Luke 8:12 seems to view the lost, Luke 8:13-14 both the lost and the saved, and Luke 8:15 the saved. However in each case the emphasis is on their present response to the Word of God be it belief or unbelief, not the ultimate outcome of their response, namely, their eternal salvation. Jesus encountered all four types of responses during His ministry, and so do modern disciples. Some people refuse to believe at all (cf. most of the Pharisees). Others follow Jesus temporarily but because of persecution or love for other things stop following Him (cf. John 6:66; Luke 18:18-30). The salvation of these people is the most difficult to evaluate. Still others believe and continue following faithfully (cf. Luke 8:1-3).