5 Then Jerusalem* and all Ju·deʹa and all the country around the Jordan made their way out to him,

20 As for the one sown upon the rocky places, this is the one hearing the word and at once accepting it with joy.+

20 For Herod stood in fear+ of John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man;+ and he was keeping him safe. And after hearing+ him he was at a great loss what to do, yet he continued to hear him gladly.

19 Consequently we have the prophetic word+ [made] more sure;+ and YOU are doing well in paying attention to it as to a lamp+ shining in a dark place, until day dawns and a daystar*+ rises, in YOUR hearts.