Matthew 11:12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.
I'm having a hard time getting a strong grasp on this verse - could anyone help me out?
The context:
Matthew 11:9-15 But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. 10 For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. 11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. 13 For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. 14 And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come. 15 He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
12 comments:
so you haven't got much help on this passage eh? i don't know that i've ever spent much time on this passage... i will check it out and get back to you.
Good to know I have at least one reader... I was going to wait and see how long this went before someone at least said something!
What Satan and his allies have been in a tug of war match over with God and his allies. Check out Gen 6:11-13, Ps 86:14 and Matt 5:3,10. Then check out some parables in Matt 25. It rightfully belongs to Christ...he will give it to those who belong to Him. This is a deep subject matter. Gap involved! :) I one day plan to write a book on it...Lord willing.
the part that seems to be confusing (and where i'm getting stuck) is 'the violent take it by force'...
i got nothing. sorry buddy. while i agree that satan and God are at odds i would argue that God does most of the tugging;) not sure where seth was going with his reply but i'm more confused now.
andy i really only wrote something so that you wouldn't feel lonely.
Matt, remember that dispensational theology usually makes a distinction between the "kingdom of heaven" and the "kingdom of God." The kingdom of heaven would be, essentially, when Christ's ruling on earth (Millennium), whereas the kingdom of God is the spiritual reign of God in the life of the believer. That's where Seth was coming from, I believe -
Ah. thanks for the clarification. (i forgot about that and shouldn't have)
so following that thought Andy how do you reconcile that verse. 'from the days of John the Baptist til now the KOH suffereth violence'
doesn't that sound like the KOH was present at that time instead of at millenial reign?
also if that takes way too long to explain do you have/ know of a good book that explains that theology specifically? i have never studied that before and would be interested.
Jesus came ready to present the kingdom to the Jews - the Millennium kingdom - if they would only receive Him. That's why John the Baptist was Elijah, if they would receive it (Matthew 11:14).
book: http://www.thywordistrue.com/view_item-productID-126.htm
That's just for you, Matt :)
I'm listening to Chuck Missler on Matthew 13 right now, as I suspect he'll touch the subject there. If he does, I'll give you the link for it. I believe he holds to separate definitions for those two phrases.
The Sure Word of Phrophecy
makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside when the people selling the book misspell the title;)
That made my day!
did missler address it? would have made my day if we won;)
I love you Matt!
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