"The law and the prophets lasted until John; but from then on the kingdom of God is proclaimed, and everyone who enters does so with violence."
2007-09-21 09:35:50 · 11 answers · asked by labken1817 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The 'Law and the Prophets,' of course, is a clear reference to the Hebrew Bible (what we now refer to as the 'Old Testament')
This clearly indicates that the Mosaic Law was about to conclude the purpose which God had intended it to serve and it would soon no longer be effective. After the events of Calvary the message of the 'Law and Prophets' would no longer hold 'centre stage' since it would be replaced by a greater revelation, that of the New Covenant. But Jesus immediately (in verse 17) stresses that the Old Testament would always remain inspired, and moreover fulfilled, Scripture (not something to be, thereafter, tossed aside).
The context tells us that Jesus had just warned some Pharisees of the dangers of the love of money, knowing that they were inclined toward covetousness (16:14). His statement to the scoffing and hypocritical Pharisees was intended to show them how superficial their religion really was. They enjoyed displaying a certain outward adherence to the law, but Jesus knew they were really hypocrites. As lovers of money, they were guilty of devouring widows houses while making a pretension at prayer,
2007-09-21 09:43:51 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 2⤋
My paraphrase, based upon looking at other versions:
The Law and the Prophets (Old Testament) have been preached up until John the Baptist came, but he came preaching that the kingdom of God is near. Since that time, everyone is trying hard to reach it, but don't think the law will be done away with before the His kingdom comes.
2007-09-21 09:52:30 · answer #2 · answered by sdb deacon 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
prophets and their role up to John is basically tell the world of a Messiah's coming. Therefore after John Jesus is already preaching thus the kingdom of God is proclaimed. Everyone who enters does so with violence because we as sinners enter into this new era that Jesus started. Before Jesus it was people were told to believe and God. Now after Jesus people are told to follow and live for Christ. Basically we follow Christ as sinners.
God bless
2007-09-21 09:50:22 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well you first need to start some verses up and read it....when you are trying to understand what the Word of God is saying you need to start at the beginning and read a little below to get the meaning....here: --------------------------------------... 119:1 - Blessed [are] the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD. 119:2 Blessed [are] they that keep his testimonies, [and that] seek him with the whole heart. 119:3 They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways. --------------------------------------... What this means is that the person who keep the testimony of Jesus which is the Spirit of prophecy (Rev 19:10) and lives a life according to his will shall be blessed...It is talking about keeping the 10 Commandments (Rev 12:17/ Rev 19:10)....the 10 Commandments are found in Exodus 20:1-17..... See it is important to be THOROUGH when reading Gods word and to ask for the Spirit to lead because false people will arise in the last days and try to interpret that verse differently (Matthew 24) so you have got to train yourself to read further and for yourself (that is why I gave you scripture doll) Furthermore honey, it is my prayer that you find the church that does follow the Rev 12:17 and Revelations 19:10 because this is the remnant church or the church that will get to heaven. They have got to keep all of the commandments and the testimony of Jesus this includes SABBATH worship...look it up! Much Love, Bellamy
2016-05-20 03:32:06 · answer #4 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It would help to provide the scripture reference so people can verify first that you did not mis-quote it.
If you are wondering about the word "violence", that is referring to the fact that it took Jesus being beaten, whipped, spat upon, beard yanked out, crucifixion and death (violence) to purchase our right to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.
2007-09-21 09:41:40 · answer #5 · answered by the sower 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
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.
Those who come in the name of the Kingdom of Heaven, the Kingdom of Christ, are subjected to violence.
This is a different way of saying that followers of Christ will be persecuted.
For example, the United States is a nation founded on Christian principles by Christians and is has been the victim of attacks by Muslim Extremists since Thomas Jefferson warned congress about "musslemen" in the 1780's.
2007-09-21 09:48:09 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 4⤋
Matthew 11:12. That one's been debated forever.
The exegesis that I like best is that since John the Baptist "made straight the way" for Jesus, the Kingdom of God was at hand, because it was kinda like Jesus's coming out party. He started His mission.
To enter the Kingdom of Heaven/God requires a radical change in us. That kind of radical, extraordinary change is usually accompanied by "violence" to our previous ways of looking at life, the world, ourselves, and God. No matter what concept we have about God, that concept is too small compared to the Real Living God of Creation.
Read Flannery O'Connor's novel "The Violent Bear It Away." It's a novel whose title is based on that scripture. Check out her short story called "Revelation" too. I think it was in her collection of stories called "A Good Man Is Hard To Find."
In "Revelation" a woman has a spiritual vision after being visited by some pretty shocking and hilarious "violence" that makes her re-examine her life. She sees all people everywhere -- black and white, good and bad -- going up to heaven. But the ones with the shocked looks on their faces were the "good" people (like her) who as they entered God's presence, were having "even their virtues burned away."
Even our virtues, next to God, are too small and incorrect. That's where the violence comes in.
2007-09-21 09:41:10 · answer #7 · answered by Acorn 7 · 1⤊ 3⤋
i suggest that you try one or more other translations of the bible. Some older translations have very archaic language, which may not mean what you think.
2007-09-21 09:46:56 · answer #8 · answered by Bibs 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Whatever you want it to mean. Quite like a lot of other verses.
2007-09-21 09:42:45 · answer #9 · answered by Louise 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Can you cite it?
2007-09-21 09:42:29 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋