for Herod stood in awe of John, knowing he was a just and holy man; so he protected John — he was greatly exercised when he listened to him, still he was glad to listen to him.
indeed Simon himself believed, and after his baptism kept close to Philip, utterly astonished to see the signs and striking miracles which were taking place.
When anyone hears the word of the Realm and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart; that is the man who is sown 'on the road.'