These ones that Jesus spoke of were at one time spiritually dead. However, once they had an opportunity to hear the gospel, they put faith in Jesus Christ and gave up their former sinful life.
Updated American Standard Version
Giving Bible readers what God said not what translators think God meant
These ones that Jesus spoke of were at one time spiritually dead. However, once they had an opportunity to hear the gospel, they put faith in Jesus Christ and gave up their former sinful life.