Luke 16:16
“The Law and the Prophets were until John; since then the good news of the kingdom of God is preached, and everyone forces his way into it.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse doesn't just say people are interested; it says "everyone forces his way into it." This highlights a radical shift: the kingdom of God isn't something passively received anymore, but vigorously pursued, with crowds eagerly breaking through barriers to enter.
Jesus is speaking to the Pharisees, who have just scorned him for associating with tax collectors and sinners. He points out that the old era of the Law and Prophets has given way to a new time with John the Baptist, and now with Jesus himself, heralding the Kingdom of God. This new reality is so compelling that crowds of people, including those the Pharisees despise, are eagerly embracing it, forcing their way into this divine kingdom.
Why did Jesus say the Law and Prophets were 'until John'? It wasn't that they were discarded, but that their ultimate purpose was about to be fully realized.
Jesus is declaring a major shift in God's redemptive plan. The Law and the Prophets, which make up the entirety of the Old Testament revelation, served their vital purpose until John the Baptist. They pointed forward, revealing God's character, His standard, and the coming Messiah. John, Jesus says, marks the transition point. He announced the King and His Kingdom, fulfilling what the previous era had foreshadowed.
Think of it like a grand unveiling. The Old Testament was the elaborate, detailed invitation and prologue. John was the herald announcing the actual arrival of the King. Jesus' ministry, and the Gospel that followed, is the celebration itself, the beginning of the new reality.
Jesus describes a 'rush' into the Kingdom of God. What does this energetic, even forceful, entry mean for us today?
The phrase 'everyone forces his way into it' is powerful. It's not passive reception; it's active, eager pursuit. The original language suggests a kind of 'pious violence' or strenuous effort.
This doesn't mean salvation is earned by works. Rather, it describes the intense desire and determination of those who truly grasp the value of God's Kingdom. When people see the incredible reality of God's reign – His forgiveness, His power, His eternal promises – they don't casually walk in. They press in, overcoming obstacles, pushing past indifference, and eagerly embracing the good news. It's a response that mirrors the immense worth of what is being offered.
Understand the original words
nomos · Greek Noun
Refers to the entire body of Old Testament revelation, including the moral, ceremonial, and civil requirements given to Israel. It functions as the standard of righteousness and the revelation of God's holy will.
prophētai · Greek Noun
The inspired writings of the prophets in the Old Testament, which pointed forward to the Messiah and the coming kingdom of God.
euangelion · Greek Noun
The core message of Jesus regarding God's sovereign reign, His redemptive work, and the call for repentance and faith. It signifies the fulfillment of Old Testament promises and the initiation of the new covenant.
basileia tou theou · Greek Noun phrase
This verse highlights a pivotal shift: the era of the Law and Prophets concluded with John the Baptist, ushering in a new, urgent phase where the Kingdom of God is actively proclaimed and eagerly embraced by many, despite opposition.
c. 1st century BC - early 1st century AD
Jewish Expectation of the Messiah
There was widespread anticipation among Jewish people for the coming of a Messiah who would establish God's kingdom and restore Israel. This expectation fueled a desire for a new era.
c. AD 27-30
Ministry of John the Baptist
John the Baptist emerged as a powerful prophet, calling people to repentance and heralding the imminent arrival of the Kingdom of God and the Messiah. His ministry marked a transition and stirred significant popular interest.
c. AD 27-30— this verse
Jesus' Ministry Begins
Jesus begins his public ministry, teaching about the Kingdom of God and performing miracles, continuing and expanding the message initiated by John the Baptist. This attracts large crowds, including many who were marginalized by society.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Ministry Spreads
Jesus' teachings and actions gain momentum, with vast numbers of people flocking to hear him and eagerly seeking entry into the Kingdom of God he proclaims. This contrasts sharply with the resistance from religious leaders.
This passage uses a similar strong phrase, 'the violent take it by force,' highlighting the intense eagerness and effort required to enter the Kingdom, which resonates with the 'pressing into it' in Luke.
Acts 1:8This verse describes the power of the Holy Spirit enabling believers to be witnesses for Jesus, which is the very 'good news of the kingdom of God' that people are eagerly responding to in Luke.
Romans 10:14-15This passage emphasizes the necessity of preaching the Gospel so that people can hear and believe, directly linking to the 'good news of the kingdom of God is preached' and the subsequent response.
Hebrews 4:1This verse speaks of the promise of entering God's rest, connecting to the idea of 'pressing into' the Kingdom, as entering this rest signifies full participation in God's reign.
barnesLuke 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."
See the notes at Matthew 11:12-14 . Every man - Many people, or multitudes. This is an expression that is very common, as when we say everybody is engaged in a piece of business, meaning that it occupies general attention.
gillLuke 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."
The law and the prophets were until John,.... Till the time that John the Baptist began his ministry; for till then, the law and the prophets, with the Hagiographa, or holy writings, for into these three parts the Jews divided the books of the Old Testament, were the only writings they had; and which contained the whole of the revelation granted to them; and wh…
The verse doesn't just say people are interested; it says "everyone forces his way into it." This highlights a radical shift: the kingdom of God isn't something passively received anymore, but vigorously pursued, with crowds eagerly breaking through barriers to enter.
Jesus is speaking to the Pharisees, who have just scorned him for associating with tax collectors and sinners. He points out that the old era of the Law and Prophets has given way to a new time with John the Baptist, and now with Jesus himself, heralding the Kingdom of God. This new reality is so compelling that crowds of people, including those the Pharisees despise, are eagerly embracing it, forcing their way into this divine kingdom.
Jesus is speaking to the Pharisees, who have just scorned him for associating with tax collectors and sinners. He points out that the old era of the Law and Prophets has given way to a new time with John the Baptist, and now with Jesus himself, heralding the Kingdom of God. This new reality is so compelling that crowds of people, including those the Pharisees despise, are eagerly embracing it, forcing their way into this divine kingdom.
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The sphere of God's active, sovereign rule over the hearts of His people and the universe. In the New Testament, it is inaugurated by Christ and will be consummated at His return.
"“The Law and the Prophets were until John; since then the good news of the kingdom of God is preached, and everyone forces his way into it." — The verse doesn't just say people are interested; it says "everyone forces his way into it." This highlights a radical shift: the kingdom of God isn't something passively received anymore, but vigoro…
