¹⁷ I know, my God, that you test the heart^(A) and are pleased with integrity. All these things I have given willingly and with honest intent. And now I have seen with joy how willingly your people who are here have given to you.^(B)

¹⁹ When anyone hears the message about the kingdom^(A) and does not understand it, the evil one^(B) comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. ²⁰ The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. ²¹ But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.^{(C) 22} The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth^(D) choke the word, making it unfruitful.

²¹ For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again.^(A)

²² “If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect^(B) those days will be shortened. ²³ At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah!’ or, ‘There he is!’ do not believe it.^{(C) 24} For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders^(D) to deceive, if possible, even the elect. ²⁵ See, I have told you ahead of time.