Topical Bible: Converts: "Stony Ground"

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the context of Christian theology and biblical exegesis, the term "stony ground" is derived from the Parable of the Sower, as recounted in the Synoptic Gospels, particularly in the Gospel of Matthew 13:5-6, 20-21, Mark 4:5-6, 16-17, and Luke 8:6, 13. This parable, taught by Jesus Christ, serves as a profound allegory for the reception of the Gospel message among different types of hearers.

Biblical Context:

In Matthew 13:5-6 , Jesus describes the stony ground: "Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun rose, the seedlings were scorched, and they withered because they had no root." The explanation of this part of the parable is provided in Matthew 13:20-21 : "The seed sown on rocky ground is the one who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since he has no root, he remains for only a season. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away."

Interpretation:

The "stony ground" represents individuals who initially receive the Gospel with enthusiasm and apparent joy. However, their faith is superficial, lacking depth and a firm foundation. This lack of spiritual root means that when challenges, trials, or persecutions arise, these individuals quickly abandon their newfound faith. The initial joy is not enough to sustain them through difficulties, as their commitment to the Gospel is not deeply rooted in understanding or conviction.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the stony ground serves as a cautionary illustration of the dangers of a shallow faith. It underscores the necessity for converts to develop a deep, enduring relationship with Christ, grounded in sound doctrine and spiritual maturity. The parable highlights the importance of discipleship, spiritual growth, and perseverance in the Christian life.

Practical Application:

For the Christian community, the lesson of the stony ground emphasizes the need for nurturing new believers, ensuring they are not only introduced to the joy of the Gospel but also equipped to withstand trials. This involves teaching, mentoring, and providing a supportive community that encourages spiritual growth and resilience.

Conclusion:

The concept of "stony ground" in the Parable of the Sower serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by converts who lack depth in their faith. It calls for a commitment to fostering a robust and enduring faith that can withstand the inevitable trials of life. By understanding and addressing the issues represented by the stony ground, the Christian community can better support converts in their journey toward spiritual maturity and steadfastness in the faith.

Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 13:5,20,21
Some fell on stony places, where they had not much earth: and immediately they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth:
Nave's Topical Index

Greek

858. aphelotes -- simplicity
... 858 (derived from 1 "not" and , "stony ground") -- properly, without rocks (the
opposite of , "rocky land"), ie (a level plain); (figuratively) what is ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/858.htm - 7k

4073. petra -- a (large mass of) rock
... Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: petra Phonetic Spelling: (pet'-ra)
Short Definition: rock Definition: a rock, ledge, cliff, cave, stony ground. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4073.htm - 7k

Library

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xiii. 19, Etc. , Where the Lord ...
... 2. Now ye know that those three places mentioned yesterday where the seed did not
grow, "the way side," "the stony ground," and "the thorny places," are the ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xxiii on the words.htm

The Wisdom of the Ages
... And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang
up, because it had no depth of earth: but when the sun was up, it was ...
/.../mark/jesus of nazareth a biography/chapter iv the wisdom of.htm

The Parable of the Sower. --Christ's Explanation of the Parable to ...
... (b.) The partially Susceptible. (1.) The Stony-ground Hearers."Under the figure
of the stony ground, in which the seed shoots up quickly, but withers as soon ...
/.../section 129 the parable of.htm

Prayer and the Word of God (Continued)
... Similarly with the stony-ground hearers, and the thorny-ground ... The good-ground hearers
are profited by the sowing ... It converts the soul, makes wise the simple ...
/.../bounds/the necessity of prayer/xiii prayer and the word.htm

A Morning Prayer for the Sabbath-Day.
... hardness, and want of true understanding, receives not the seed, till the evil one
cometh and catcheth it away: nor like to the stony ground, which heareth ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bayly/the practice of piety/a morning prayer for the.htm

He Explains what Force the Word Israel Has, and How it Suits ...
... and candidly, as my Lord said: A sower went forth to sow the seed; and some fell
by the wayside; and some among thorns, and some on stony ground, and some on ...
/.../chapter cxxv he explains what force.htm

Four Soils for one Seed
... And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have
heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; 17. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/four soils for one seed.htm

On Sleeping in Church
... How much of the seed then sown would be found to fall by the wayside, upon stony
ground, or among thorns! and how little good ground would there be to take it! ...
/.../swift/three sermons three prayers/on sleeping in church.htm

Results of True Repentance.
... good deal more anxious for a deep and true work in professing converts than I ...
heinousness of his sins, he is likely to be one of those stony ground hearers who ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/moody/the overcoming life/results of true repentance.htm

Who Teach: that the Faith of those who Believe for a Time Does not ...
... a threefold difference between those who believe only for a time and true believers,
when He declares that the former receive the seed in stony ground, but the ...
/.../various/the canons of dordt/paragraph 7 who teach that 4.htm