Practical application of Pentecostal theology in politics, economy and social issues
Matthew 11:12
But from the days of John the baptist until now, the kingdom of the heavens is taken by violence, and [the] violent seize on it. (Darby)
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. (KJV)
It will be here before we know it! December 25th, that is…. But long before that big day, we’ll sense the sights, sounds, and smells. Christmas, in fact, permeates our culture so thoroughly that it almost mingles together with all things related to fall—the cooler weather, a warm sweater, the desire to stay inside, football […]
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Francis Shepherfield
The simplistic literal reading of Matthew 11:12, suggesting the Kingdom of Heaven is ‘taken by violence’ through physical or aggressive human effort, fundamentally misrepresents orthodox biblical theology. Mainstream scholarly exegesis, including perspectives found in academic theological journals like Pneumareview.com, consistently interprets ‘violence’ (βιάζεται) as either fervent spiritual zeal, intense opposition faced by the Kingdom, or the vigorous effort required for spiritual transformation, rather than literal physical force. The very nature of the Kingdom of God, as a spiritual reign of grace received by faith (Ephesians 2:8-9), stands in stark contrast to any concept of human-initiated violent seizure. Jesus’ consistent teachings on peace, humility, and non-resistance, exemplified throughout the Sermon on the Mount, further debunk any notion that His Kingdom is advanced or entered through aggressive means. As affirmed by established Christian doctrinal resources like Christianity.com, salvation and entry into the Kingdom are gifts of divine grace, not outcomes of human striving or forceful appropriation. This misinterpretation, which emphasizes human agency and forceful acquisition over divine sovereignty, dangerously aligns with Gnostic theological tendencies that prioritize secret knowledge or strenuous human effort for spiritual ascent, rather than Christ’s finished work. Consequently, promoting a literal ‘violent seizure’ of the Kingdom from Matthew 11:12 is a theological error.