The phrase “the kingdom of God suffers violence” comes from Matthew 11:12 which says, “From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force.” This is an intriguing statement by Jesus that has been interpreted in different ways throughout church history.
One common interpretation is that Jesus is saying the kingdom of God is vigorously opposed by evil spiritual forces. The kingdom represents the rule and reign of God, which encounters fierce resistance from the devil and his demons, as well as from people under demonic influence. This spiritual battle is pictured as violent, indicating the intensity of the conflict. The forces of darkness try aggressively to thwart the advancement of God’s kingdom.
Another view sees this as referring to the zeal and committed effort required to enter the kingdom. Inheriting God’s kingdom requires more than passive interest or half-hearted seeking. It demands wholehearted pursuit, earnest striving, and resolute determination. Entering the kingdom requires earnest effort and sacrifice, like violently seizing something forcefully. It will not come easy but demands zeal and resolve.
A third perspective interprets this as referring to the hostility and persecution faced by Jesus’ followers. Proclaiming and living out the kingdom encounters resistance and opposition from a world still dominated by satanic influence. Jesus’ disciples, like the prophets before them, would face persecution and suffering for the sake of the kingdom. Their eager embrace of the kingdom through repentance and faith provokes violent rejection from many quarters.
Looking more closely at the verse, Jesus makes this statement about the kingdom suffering violence in relation to the ministry of John the Baptist. John came announcing the arrival of the kingdom and calling people to repent and believe. But tragically, not only did many reject John’s message, he himself suffered imprisonment and martyrdom at the hands of violent men. Jesus is likely indicating that the kingdom message will elicit a similarly hostile response, often leading to violent persecution of kingdom messengers.
The verse also says the violent take the kingdom by force. This may mean the violent opponents of the kingdom try to snatch it away from those seeking to enter it. The forces violently opposed to God’s reign do all they can to hinder people from submitting to it in repentance and faith. It could also mean those intent on entering the kingdom do so with such zeal and fervency that they seem to seize it forcefully.
Looking at Matthew 11:12 in context provides further insight into its meaning. In Matthew 11:7-11 Jesus talks about John the Baptist as the prophesied herald announcing the arrival of the kingdom. Though John was rejected and imprisoned, Jesus declares that the least in the kingdom is greater than John, implying the kingdom had indeed come among them. But in verse 12 Jesus hints that many have responded to the kingdom with indifference or hostility rather than acceptance. The kingdom suffers violence from its opponents even as others zealously strive to enter it.
In summary, the main interpretations of this verse include:
- The kingdom suffers violent opposition from satanic forces seeking to hinder its advance.
- Entering the kingdom requires strenuous effort and sacrifice.
- The kingdom message provokes violent persecution of God’s messengers.
The kingdom represents God’s saving reign through Christ. As Jesus taught about the kingdom and demonstrated its arrival, some responded with intense interest and zeal to be part of it, while others reacted with indifference or hostility. The kingdom faced violent rejection from those opposed to God’s purposes. But violent opposition could not ultimately prevent the establishment of God’s kingdom through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. The kingdom broke into this world through Him, and continues to advance in spite of ongoing resistance, until the day Jesus returns to consummate its victory.
1. The kingdom of God encounters violent spiritual opposition
The kingdom of God represents the dynamic rule and reign of God over His creation. Where God’s kingdom takes root in hearts and spreads through the preaching of the gospel, it challenges the illegitimate authority of Satan. The kingdom declares that Jesus is Lord, not the devil. This elicits intense demonic resistance, pictured as violent opposition to the kingdom’s advance.
Evidence of this violent spiritual conflict can be seen throughout Jesus’ ministry. When Jesus began proclaiming the arrival of the kingdom, He was immediately opposed by Satan and demonic forces (Matthew 4:1-11). Wherever Jesus demonstrated the kingdom by delivering people from Satan’s power, the forces of darkness reacted violently (Matthew 8:28-34, 9:32-33). The coming of the kingdom escalated intense spiritual warfare between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of Satan.
The book of Acts continues this theme, showing the kingdom’s advance inciting spiritual opposition. As the gospel spreads, demonic resistance is aroused in places like Philippi (Acts 16:16-24) and Ephesus (Acts 19:23-41). The arrival of God’s kingdom through the ministry of Christ and His apostles provokes violent demonic backlash.
Paul says Satan’s blindness and deception keeps people from even seeing the light of the gospel and embracing the kingdom: “The god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:4). He warns that spiritual forces of evil work against those preaching the kingdom message (Ephesians 6:12). Wherever the kingdom takes ground from Satan’s domain, intense demonic resistance follows.
This theme continues in Revelation, where the dragon (Satan) wages “war on the saints” and engages in fierce conflict with “those who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus” (Revelation 12:17). The advance of God’s kingdom through His people provokes violent retaliation from Satan. The kingdom suffers violence and opposition as demonic forces fight to retain their illegitimate authority over this world.
In summary, Jesus’ kingdom ministry immediately confronted violent opposition from demonic forces whose power was threatened by the kingdom’s advance. This spiritual conflict continues as the gospel spreads and more hearts and communities come under Christ’s lordship rather than Satan’s tyranny. Wherever God’s kingdom advances through the preaching of the gospel, violent demonic resistance follows.
2. Entering the kingdom requires committed earnest effort
Another way to understand Matthew 11:12 is that inheriting God’s kingdom requires zealous, earnest effort. It demands our all, not half-hearted, lukewarm interest. Many passages depict the kingdom as a supreme treasure we should urgently pursue at any cost (Matthew 13:44-46) and the supreme prize we run to win (1 Corinthians 9:24). It is the “one thing” needful that we must resolutely seek (Luke 10:42).
Jesus warned against allowing anything to divert our supreme focus from seeking the kingdom: “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62). The kingdom is not for the irresolute or fainthearted, but for those zealously committed to seeking it above all else.
Entering the kingdom also requires earnest moral effort. It demands repentance from sin and wholehearted obedience to Christ as King. Jesus warned that our righteousness must surpass that of the religious experts if we wish to enter the kingdom (Matthew 5:20), underscoring the earnest effort required.
Paul stresses resolute self-denial and discipline are needed to inherit the kingdom: “I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified” (1 Corinthians 9:27). He warns that habits like greed and sexual immorality can exclude people from the kingdom (Ephesians 5:5). Holiness and obedience characterize kingdom citizens (Romans 14:17; Galatians 5:21).
Jesus emphasizes childlike humility and dependence on God as essential for entering the kingdom (Matthew 18:3-4, 19:14). We must urgently seek God’s mercy, not trusting in our own righteousness, recognizing entering the kingdom is impossible without God’s grace (Matthew 19:26). Self-righteous pride is perhaps the greatest obstacle to humbly receiving the kingdom as God’s gift.
In Jesus’ parable about guest invitations to the kingdom banquet (Luke 14:15-24), those refusing the invitation illustrate the excuses that hinder people from wholeheartedly seeking the kingdom. Their preoccupation with other priorities kept them from responding appropriately. We must guard against allowing anything to divert our supreme focus from pursuing the kingdom.
Jesus pronounces blessing on those persecuted for pursuing the kingdom, “for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:10). Suffering persecution requires committed devotion to the kingdom that refuses to capitulate under pressure. Only through persevering faith and endurance do we inherit the kingdom (Revelation 21:7).
In summary, inheriting God’s kingdom requires earnest moral effort to pursue holiness, strenuous exertion to seek the kingdom wholeheartedly above all else, and patient endurance to continue following Christ despite difficulty and opposition. The kingdom is forcefully seized by those zealously committed to seeking it at any cost.
3. The kingdom provokes violent persecution of God’s people
A third way to understand the kingdom suffering violence is with reference to the persecution Jesus’ followers face for the sake of the kingdom. In proclaiming the kingdom message and calling people to submit to Christ’s lordship, Jesus and His disciples encountered intense opposition and persecution.
In the parable of the tenants (Matthew 21:33-44), the owner of the vineyard represents God while the vineyard represents His kingdom. The tenants depict the religious leaders over Israel who reject and kill the owner’s servants (the prophets) and even his own son (Jesus) when sent to call these tenants to fulfill their purpose under God’s reign. This parable illustrates that the kingdom message can provoke violent rejection.
Jesus promises his disciples they will face persecution for following Him and proclaiming the kingdom: “They will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons…for my name’s sake” (Luke 21:12). Because the kingdom challenges human sinfulness and rebellion against God’s reign, its messengers will face hostility and opposition.
The book of Acts confirms this pattern, showing the apostles being beaten, imprisoned, and killed for preaching the kingdom. Stephen is martyred by stoning while proclaiming the kingdom message (Acts 7:54-60). Herod kills James and imprisons Peter “because he saw it pleased the Jews” who rejected their kingdom preaching (Acts 12:1-3). Paul suffers violent persecution as he “preached the kingdom” throughout the Roman world (Acts 20:25; 28:31).
Jesus had forewarned the apostles: “they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake” (Matthew 24:9). Proclaiming the kingdom incited both religious and political opposition that resulted in intense persecution. Announcing Christ’s lordship challenged human authority structures leading to violent backlash against His messengers.
Jesus pronounced blessing on those persecuted for His sake: “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:10). Kingdom citizens face persecution because righteous living confronts and exposes human sinfulness. Suffering violence for the kingdom proves one’s membership in it. Persecution shows Satan’s kingdom violently opposing those submitting to God’s kingdom.
Even today, wherever God’s kingdom advances through committed believers, persecution follows. Jesus predicted concerning the last days: “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake” (Matthew 24:9). Proclaiming and demonstrating God’s kingdom can provoke violent hostility. But enduring this suffering marks one as an heir of the eternal kingdom Jesus promised.
In summary, preaching the kingdom message and calling people to submit to Christ’s lordship often results in persecution and martyrdom at the hands of violent people. Messengers of the kingdom suffer violence for the sake of God’s reign. But enduring such persecution proves one worthy of inheriting the kingdom Jesus promises to those faithful unto death.
4. The kingdom triumphs over violent opposition
While the kingdom faces violent opposition from various sources, this hostility will ultimately fail to prevent God’s kingdom from advancing and conquering all rivals. Despite being rejected and crucified, Jesus rose again victoriously, having decisively defeated Satan and secured eternal redemption (Hebrews 2:14-15, 9:12). His resurrection marked the definitive arrival of God’s kingdom on earth.
After His resurrection Jesus declared, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matthew 28:18). He reigns as King over all and continues building His kingdom as the gospel goes forth in His name. The book of Acts shows the kingdom powerfully advancing through the Spirit-empowered preaching of the apostles, despite fierce opposition.
Jesus assured His disciples that even the gates of hell will not prevail against the advance of His kingdom (Matthew 16:18). The stunning growth of His church in succeeding centuries has confirmed this reality, despite recurrent persecution. Satan cannot halt the progress of God’s kingdom through the church.
The book of Revelation depicts the culmination of this triumphant kingdom progression: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever” (Revelation 11:15). In the end every enemy will be decisively defeated as the kingdom fully comes. God’s reign through Christ will be eternally established over a renewed creation.
No amount of demonic oppression, human indifference, or persecution of Jesus’ followers can ultimately prevent the arrival and growth of God’s kingdom. Violent opposition may accompany the advance of God’s reign, but the kingdom continues progressing through the preaching of the gospel and the Lordship of the risen Christ. His kingdom will triumph over all evil, and stand forever.
Conclusion
The statement that the kingdom of God suffers violence has intrigued Bible readers through the centuries. Based on the context of Matthew 11 and the broader New Testament testimony, it likely conveys several interconnected realities:
- Demonic forces fiercely oppose the advance of God’s kingdom, provoking intense spiritual warfare.
- Inheriting God’s kingdom requires committed, zealous effort to seek it above all else.
- Proclaiming the kingdom incites persecution of disciples, who suffer for the sake of God’s reign.
The kingdom encounters resistance because it challenges the counterfeit authority of Satan and human rebellion against God’s rightful rule. But despite opposition, nothing can prevent the ultimate triumph of God’s kingdom through Jesus Christ. He has definitively defeated the powers of evil and darkness through the cross. The kingdom continues to progress through the Spirit-empowered preaching of the church until the day Jesus returns to fully consummate its victory.
Understanding the kingdom’s conflicts helps us interpret the spiritual warfare we experience today. It also reminds us of the strenuous effort and persevering faith required to inherit God’s kingdom. Despite hardship for the sake of Christ’s kingdom, our place in it is eternally secure. God’s kingdom shall certainly come in all its fullness. The day is coming when the victorious King will return to banish evil forever under the perfect rule of heaven’s kingdom.