Matthew 11:12 Explained

Matthew 11:12 explained 

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.

The same verse found in Luke Gospel, viz,

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

suffereth violence (Matt) and presseth (Luke):

• “Biazo” in Greek.
• Meaning - To apply force, to use force. 

Take it by force:

• “Harpazo” in Greek.
• Meaning - to snatch out or keeping away

Explanation:

• From the time of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of God is being preached to the people. 
• The kingdom of God has been proclaimed as the gospel to people. 

Example:

• If we are in a running race. 
• We know our destination. 
• We have a platform to run. 
• But, we should force ourselves to run, to win the race.

Likewise, here 

• Our Destination is Heaven or Kingdom of God.
• Our Race is our daily Life. 
• Our platform is Earth.
• We need to force ourselves to get away from sin.
• Then we will win and reach the kingdom of God. 

That’s what Matthew is telling here. 

• And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, (since people not aware of their final destination viz Kingdom of God Gospel is being shared to people forcefully from the day of John the Baptist)
• and the violent take it by force. (Whoever can run the race. But those who force themselves to come out of sin and travels the race will wins).

Even though the Gospel shared forcefully, those who live a life forcing themselves to come out of sin, will get kingdom of God. 

New international Reader’s version says this

Since the days of John the Baptist, the kingdom of heaven has been advancing with force. And forceful people are taking hold of it.

Matthew 11:12

Bible verses reference:

1 Corinthians 9:22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

1 Corinthians 9:23 And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.

1 Corinthians 9:24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.