What does Matt 11:12 mean exactly: the Kingdom of Heaven suffereth violence and the violent take it by force?

Question

This is quoted as a victory scripture and I believe it means that it takes some physical pain and effort in order to realize your position in the Kingdom of God since the days back to John and Jesus. BUT the way many Pastors and bible teachers use it, and never elaborate is confusing. Please answer if you have received a true understanding of this bible passage. Thanks!

Answer 1

the little understanding i have is that the devil wants to see our downfall and he's using any possible means to destroy us, therefore we must not rest on our ores, but must be prayerful, doing the will of God and staying in Christ and living according to his purpose for our lives.

the devil knows our weaknesses and he will not resist the opportunity to use them against us.

christians must be more prayerful and not joke with their walk in Christ because the devil is always attacking and trying to find means to destroy us.

it is those who will be forceful in prayers and their walk in Christ that will inherit the kingdom of God.

Answer 2

The verse in Matthew 11.12 , when is taken
out of context looks like the meaning of it is
something different that Iesus said , but in real essence , is not.

You must read this form verse 7 to verse 14
and you will have a clear understanding of it , most of all , Iohn the Baptist pretending to be an ingnorant sent His Disciples to Christ , as you can se in Matthew 11,3.
The context of the verse you mentioned is in
reference to Zacharias 12.8 , where as the
description of the Church is seen in Christ.
The Interpretation of The Scriptures can not be forced to only one verse been exagitated
to mean something different.
This is the cause for the wong interpretatio of The Bible and Sectarism.
Hope my answer be helpful to You.
Thanks.

Answer 3

Here is the NIV translation: "From the Days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it."

The commentary on the verse says it means the kingdom is suffering violent attacks, emphasizing the ongoing persecution of the people of the kingdom.

I think that makes sense because the chapter talks a lot about unrepentant people and the consequences.

Answer 4

I have a better translation from my bible. It reads "From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it." It means that more and more people are coming to the Lord and no matter what, God will win and heaven will be strong and is strong against evil. Those who are strong in the Lord will be the ones to lay hold of heaven. I hope I've explained it for you.

Answer 5

It takes time to get to the kingdom, there was a first coming and there will be a second coming, he will have his reign. but the violence is that Satan and his angels are cast out of heaven as
Rev, explains, and as I do below.

I do study my bible, Matt.22:37-40; Jesus gave us the great commandnent. Gal.5:22,23; Is fruits of the spirit.

Adam to year of flood 1656 , Noah is in a fix,
At age 600, he has 350 years to year 2006,
Abraham at 75 in 2083, as the covenant is,
In 430 years as Moses has Pharoah at risk.

Gen.9:28,29[Noah 950]; 12:4; 15:13,16;
Exo.7:7[age 80]; 12:40,41[430 years];

In 40 years to 2553, is end of wilderness,
Judges rule in Promise Land Samuel is last,
Then king Saul, David, and 480 years does end,
Solomon builds a temple, had 36 years to reign.

Deut.34:7; 1Ki.6:1; 1Ki.11:42[Solomon dies];

So he died 3069 and 18 kings are onto Babylon,
To end 391 years at 3460 after Eden and Adam,
Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Daniel write it down,
Daniel give 2520 to 5980 after Adam, till Satan's is down,
92 years ago Satan was earth bound.

5980 + 92 = 6072, 2520 + 92 = 2612. 1914 + 92 = 2006 CE.

In Satan's short time[58 year to go], God's word gets around,
Matt.24:3,14,15,22,36-38
[only god knows the day and hour;
We're into last days, Michael's is now most renown,
Rev.12:7-12; Dan.12:1-13;
The Pit is open, at this time, the sealed of God are found,
Rev.9:1-5[5x 30 = 150];
As raised up at last day, John 6:44; Elect are heaven bound,
1Thes.4:15-17;
Mark 13:27;
Prophecy? Dan.7:25[8:12-14[2300]; 12:1-7[2500];
Jude 9; Michael stands up, 8-10[2520 Satan's put down Rom.16:20[apostles expected Satan to be down
],
Dan.11:11[2x 1290 =] 2580, 12:12[2x 1335 =] 2670]; ?

Here is where the bible time line Eden to Jesus reign is found.

Rev,20:1-6[1000 year reign, with redeemed Rev.14:1-7];

Satan has 6,130 years from Eden, this world he is in will end,
All is made as perfect as it was before sin entered in back then,
And we will all be Gods perfect children and his perfect family.

Answer 6

Jesus and the Apostles emphasize in more that one place that we are in a spiritual war. Although we are saved by grace and it is Gods work in us by His Spirit we nevertheless are called to fight this battle and here Jesus is teaching this truth. See Eph 6:10.....about our armour. We are to use the sword of the Spirit to do battle using the rest of the armour.
We are taught to "make our calling and election sure.
Peter says "giving all diligence"
Jesus says "“Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able.
So the scripture everywhere points to the fact that yes we are saved by grace but we are also involved in a war for our souls.

Answer 7

I am learning in which I could be wrong but a strong conviction on this I think the Holy Spirit is showing that this means that we must be willing to not be silent and fight against the evil people who are trying to put out the fire or remove the kingdom of Elohim. I don't it means to fight and kill people. It must mean that we must be willing to stand up and fight.. this age we are living in is filled with churches that want to preach false doctrines of man-made garbage.. pagan practices behind the pulpits.. then we have clothing that is coming out that is disgusting like childrens thongs, lingerie.. school systems that want to corrupt the young ones.. media & entertainment that is filled with satanic agenda and all about corrupting people's lives. Come on, people have been praying against them but they are continuing. Where are the believer's who will walk the ancient paths given by the forefathers of the faith? The ones who are willing to loose money, their jobs, their lives for the gospel? I am guilty of this myself but I am praying that a fierce mentality that will wage war against the enemy & those who want to corrupt us with its anti-christ agenda. But, all I see is "christians" who are wimpy, lethargic, lazy and not willing to offend others.. Where are the TRUE believer's who are willing to get down & dirty in the spiritual warefare we are in... but no, its not just by prayer. It does not mean we beat people up, or kill someone.. that is not what this scripture means.

Answer 8

You are right, in that it is a victory scripture. As the church are soldiers at war doing battle and taking what God has promised is rightfully ours.

Answer 9

He is speaking of himself and that he has been driven from cities and soon will be taken beaten and crucified.
From the time when John proclaimed him he was accosted.

Answer 10

I believe you are right on your answer but i am going to study and find the truth and get back with you.