WHAT EXACTLY DOES MATT 11:12 MEAN!!

I HAVE NO CLUE

The classic interpretation is this one by Adam Clarke The kingdom of heaven suffereth violence] The tax-gatherers and heathens, whom the scribes and Pharisees think have no right to the kingdom of the Messiah, filled with holy zeal and earnestness, seize at once on the proffered mercy of the Gospel, and so take the kingdom as by force from those learned doctors who claimed for themselves the chiefest places in that kingdom. Christ himself said, The tax-gatherers and harlots go before you into the kingdom of God. See the parallel place, Lu 7:28-30.He that will take, get possession of the kingdom of righteousness, peace, and spiritual joy, must be in earnest: all hell will oppose him in every step he takes; and if a man be not absolutely determined to give up his sins and evil companions, and have his soul saved at all hazards, and at every expense, he will surely perish everlastingly. This requires a violent earnestness.This view is built into Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress; Then the Interpreter took him, and led him up towards the door of the palace; and behold, at the door stood a great company of men, as desirous to go in, but durst not. There also sat a man at a little distance from the door, at a table-side, with a book and his inkhorn before him, to take the names of them that should enter therein; he saw also that in the doorway stood many men in armor to keep it, being resolved to do to the men that would enter, what hurt and mischief they could.Now was Christian somewhat in amaze. At last, when every man started back for fear of the armed men, Christian saw a man of a very stout countenance come up to the man that sat there to write, saying, “Set down my name, sir;” the which when he had done, he saw the man draw his sword, and put a helmet on his head, and rush towards the door upon the armed men, who laid upon him with deadly force; but the man, not at all discouraged, fell to cutting and hacking most fiercely. So after he had received and given many wounds to those that attempted to keep him out, Matt. 11:12; Acts 14:22; he cut his way through them all, and pressed forward into the palace; at which there was a pleasant voice heard from those that were within, even of those that walked upon the top of the palace, saying,“Come in, come in,Eternal glory thou shalt win.”So he went in, and was clothed with such garments as they. Then Christian smiled, and said, I think verily I know the meaning of this.Now, said Christian, let me go hence...But for myself, I am not convinced that this is really what it means in the gospel context.

I found a Spurgeon sermon solely on that verse called "Holy Violence":http://www.blueletterbible.org/tmp_dir/c/1134394738-1956.html

This is definitely one of those difficult verses. I tend to agree with the classical interpretation that Ron posted however here is another take on this verse...From The Kingdom in Matthew, by Matthew Allen, posted at www.bible.org"Then Jesus said something even more strange: “And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and violent men take it by force.” (Mt. 11:12). The phrase “the kingdom of heaven suffers violence” (NASB) has been variously interpreted. The NIV states that the kingdom “has been forcefully advancing.” The verb biazetai holds the key to the correct view. Carson believes that it supports the NIV rendering of the passage because it is in the middle form.This implies that “the kingdom has come with holy power and magnificent energy that has been pushing back the frontiers of darkness.” Moreover, instead of violent men taking over in a negative sense, forceful men take hold of the kingdom in a positive sense. As Carson sums up this difficult passage, “from the days of the Baptist—i.e., from the beginning of John’s ministry—the kingdom has been forcefully advancing . . . . But it has not swept all opposition away, as John expected."

It is a difficult verse and one which ought not to be taken as the single foundation for a whole way of thinking. I have often wondered whether the Lord was commending this state of events or condemning it. Take a look at the verse again to understand my thought...

brethrenthe verse says that the kingdom of God is taken by the violent. what the Lord showed me about that is the life of a Christian isn't easy. we are at war with the enemy and if we are not vigilent or violent we will not prevail. Just as surely as the enemy came out swinging against the ministry of John the Baptist and against the early church, you had better believe we need to do the same. We need to come out and give the enemy a thorough whipping. We are armed not with carnal weapons but powerul spiritual ones which pull down strongholds. those strongholds are liken to fortresses in my mind and if you want to bring down or take over a fortress you best bring it all.We must remember that is warring is in the Spirit realm and if we don't fight the enemy in this place we're not going to gain any ground. the word says11:12And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.that's simple enough for me. if you're not violent, determined to enter the kingdom then you won't get in. if you're not in the business of warring against the enemy out in the world and as he comes against you in the flesh, you're not getting in. if you're not in the business of earnestly working with the Spirit of God to put down and crucify your flesh, then you're not getting in. to me it is simple, if you're no violent, you're not entering heaven.

Matthew 11:12 (Amplified Bible)Amplified Bible (AMP)Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation 12 And from the days of John the Baptist until the present time, the kingdom of heaven has endured violent assault, and violent men seize it by force [as a precious prize--a [a]share in the heavenly kingdom is sought with most ardent zeal and intense exertion].FootnotesMatthew 11:12 Joseph Thayer, A Greek-English Lexicon.

Hi AARON619...!WHAT EXACTLY DOES MATT 11:12 MEAN!!This is such an interesting passage! However, most modern believers interpret the verse to mean that Christians need to have a violent attitude in spiritual warfare.However, I am open to the idea that the verse may refer to the Kingdom of Darkness' violence against the Kingdom of God. Remember, the preceding verses in that passage refer to the doubt of John the Baptist, while he was locked up in a prison (soon to be awaiting execution). John did an incredible work for the Lord. He preached the message of Christ's coming with complete diligence. However, while in prison, seeds of doubt somehow entered his mind. He sent his disciples for an assurance from Christ. This passage is wonderful in that it exposes the lack of favoritism from the Lord to those in the Kingdom of God. Even believers as "great" as John were not above problems. And Jesus continued by reminding us that the least in the Kingdom is greater than John (verse 11).The modern interpretation (used by many televangelists) often seems to be indicative of a Church void of meekness and humility. The messages of the prophets (including John) -- until Christ began his ministry -- indeed often seemed to be confrontational and devoid of grace. It represented an "in your face" type of message -- that exposes sin, but forgetting to show the compassion and patience of Christ. But when Christ came, he mingled his message with divine love. Or course, we should be fearless in our preaching -- but only preaching with a passion that is motivated by such love. What does the verse really mean? I am still praying for the answer myself. But the message at the end of the chapter is entirely clear:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. :-)

hat's simple enough for me. if you're not violent, determined to enter the kingdom then you won't get in. if you're not in the business of warring against the enemy out in the world and as he comes against you in the flesh, you're not getting in. if you're not in the business of earnestly working with the Spirit of God to put down and crucify your flesh, then you're not getting in. to me it is simple, if you're no violent, you're not entering heaven.Is this really how you got into the kingdom? or was it by grace through faith?

The Kingdom suffereth violence and the violent take it by force...suffereth means permits...if this helps you at all...

Wesley's comments:"And from the days of John - That is, from the time that John had fulfilled his ministry, men rush into my kingdom with a violence like that of those who are taking a city by storm."

Is this really how you got into the kingdom? or was it by grace through faith?bro Rongrace through faith requires that we strive with the Lord's help of course against our flesh and the enemy. if that grace and faith doesn't cause us to rise up against our flesh and the enemy or strive to live in the Spirit then we haven't received salvation. we can't afford to be timid about this, the enemy certainly comes out swinging so we have to do the same.

I have heard this verse used in exhorting a attitude towards ones own walk in the kingdom.In other words it is more exhortation to extreme focus and zealousness in bringing the kingdom.

A verse that has puzzled me too. Just another contribution towards the meaning from Matthew Henry, whose Commentary is now on line:http://www.ccel.org/h/henry/mhc2/MHC40011.HTMIf you scroll down a little to 'Christ's Testimony of John' (verses 7 - 15), it appears in context.You may find the English a little archaic; Matthew Henry (1662 - 1714) was a Welsh-born English non-conformist minister and Bible commentator.Sue

The Full Life Study Bible notes have this to say about this Scripture.In Matt.11:12 Jesus gives additional information on the nature of kingdom people.There He indicates that the kingdom of Heaven is taken hold of only by forceful people who are committed to breaking away from the sinful and immoral practices of the human race and who turn to Christ, His Word, and His Righteous ways.No matter what may be the cost to themselves, such people vigorously seek the kingdom in all its power. In other words, experiencing the kingdom of Heaven and all its blessings requires earnest endeavor and constant exertion- a fight of faith, accompanied by a strong will to resist Satan, sin, and one's perverse society.Nellie :-)

I'm new and I'm not sure everyone will see this and I realize this question is very old, nevertheless:

Have any of you considered the Two Witnesses in Rev chapter 11? The context involves the preaching of John the Baptist and many people have made the dispensational connections between the two events. Their preaching could certainly be considered violence.

I do like the points that Spurgeon made in the video that someone posted.

Violence is not bad nor evil in and of itself tho the intent of the heart can make it so...
When the intent of the heart is itself pure, the violence that comes forth is also pure...
ie; David and Goliath, Noah shutting the doors of the ark, Elijah dispatching the prophets of Baal, Jesus overturning the tables, Jesus using a whip, Stephen confrontIng the hypocrites, etc...
And when the intent is not pure (of God) but is mixed then we get; Peter cutting the ear off, Saul holding the coats, the Pharisees conspiracy against Christ, etc...

(For me) When viewing a passage that has multiple ways to interpret it (just look at how incompatible the different translations are on this verse) it’s imperative to find its corresponding verse so as to provide a definitive guide for the context -

Luk 16:16
The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man "presseth G971” into it.

Here the same word (G971) which in Matt was translated as violence, is here translated as presseth in the corresponding verse- this helps to clarify all the confusion and there’s wayyy too much regarding Matthew’s verbiage in his passage.

For example the NLT states that "the kingdom has been forcefully advancing and violent people are attacking it”
Another example is the NIV states that "the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence and violent people are raiding it” 😳🤯

Here’s Jesus’s take on the matter, " My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.”

Considering Luke 16:16 where the same word is used to quote Jesus in reference to the same instance.... can there really be a question?

Galatians 6:12 - As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.

Its easier to do outward rituals such as circumcision than to go the way of the cross.

Think when people become born again they give up lifestyles or traditions and as a result many times their family and friends turn on them and they suffer persecution. You have to fight against worldly people, devils, your flesh, and also endure God's chastisements (see Hebrews 12:1-13). All these come from doing the will of God.

The start:
I Thessalonians 2:13-16 - [13] For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. [14] For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews: [15] Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men: [16] Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.

Enduring:
Hebrews 10:32-39 - [32] But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions; [33] Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used. [34] For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance. [35] Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. [36] For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. [37] For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. [38] Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. [39] But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

The desired end:
Revelation 21:7 - He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.

Another verse similar to Matthew 11:12 and Luke 16:16:
Luke 13:24 - ¶ Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_c22M_Z9jc