MATT 11:12–KINGDOM SUFFERING VIOLENCE?
May 24, 2019
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“David, what does it mean in Matthew 11:12 that the kingdom suffers violence?”
This verse has intrigued many believers. You likely have heard the expression “Scripture interprets Scripture.” The parallel passage Luke 16:16 helps us to figure out the meaning of Matthew 11:12. Both verses refer to the kingdom (fulfilled during the future 1000-year Millennium when Jesus Christ will physically reign on David’s throne) suffering violence and being resisted during the days of John the Immerser and Christ. Luke 16:16 clarifies that what is being rejected is the proclamation or message of the kingdom and not any present and spiritual manifestation of the kingdom. This explanation is further confirmed by looking at the verses following Matthew 11:12 where Christ likens the hardness of His generation to His message to children not pleased with the ascetic lifestyle of John nor Christ’s ministry (Matthew 11:16-19).
Source Used
Woods, Andrew M. The Coming Kingdom: What Is the Kingdom and How Is Kingdom Now Theology Changing the Focus of the Church? Grace Gospel Press, chapter 16.