“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)
Jesus is pointing out a stark contrast: the religious leaders are actively resisting the Kingdom, yet crowds of ordinary people—publicans, sinners, everyone—are "forcing their way in" with incredible urgency and desire. This isn't just about people showing up; the Greek word suggests a forceful, even violent, entry, highlighting the immense enthusiasm and determination of those embracing God's new reign.
“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)
Jesus is speaking to the Pharisees, who have just been mocking him. He's explaining that John the Baptist marked a turning point, ushering in a new era where the message of God's kingdom is openly proclaimed, and many people, unlike the self-righteous Pharisees, are eagerly embracing it. This new kingdom, preached through the Gospel, is drawing crowds who are pressing in, seeking entry despite the opposition.
The Old Testament points forward, but something new is breaking through. What changed when John the Baptist appeared?
Jesus declares a profound shift in His introduction of the Kingdom of God. He states, 'The Law and the Prophets were until John.' This isn't to say the Old Testament suddenly became irrelevant, but rather that its era as the primary and final word from God was concluding.
Culmination, Not Cancellation
Think of it like this: The Law and the Prophets were a magnificent, detailed blueprint. They revealed God's character, His standards, and His promises, all pointing towards a coming Messiah and His reign. John the Baptist was the herald, the one who announced that the promised King was finally here.
The Gospel: A Clearer Revelation
Since John, Jesus proclaims, 'the good news of the kingdom of God is preached.' This is the Gospel – the unfolding reality of God's reign breaking into the world through Jesus Himself. It's a clearer, more direct revelation of God's salvation and His presence, moving from shadows to substance.
Jesus says 'everyone forces his way into it.' What does this intense, almost violent, language mean for us today?
The phrase 'everyone forces his way into it' (or 'presses into it') is incredibly striking. It conveys a sense of intense effort, urgency, and even struggle.
A Rush of Many
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This doesn't mean that every single person without exception enters the Kingdom. Instead, it describes the overwhelming, eager response from many—publicans, sinners, and ordinary people—who were flocking to hear Jesus and John. They were pushing through obstacles, societal barriers, and the religious elite's disapproval to get close to this new reality.
The Cost of Entering
It also speaks to the dedication and perseverance required. The original Greek implies a forceful, active engagement. Entering God's Kingdom isn't passive; it demands a decisive commitment, a willingness to leave behind old ways, and to actively pursue God's reign, even when facing opposition.
A Contrast to Rejection
Jesus uses this to highlight the contrast with the religious leaders who, despite their privileged access to the Old Testament revelation, were actively resisting and hindering others from entering. Their spiritual blindness made them ignore the very fulfillment they should have recognized.
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
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.
Jesus highlights that John the Baptist marked a pivotal turning point, ushering in a new era where the long-awaited Kingdom of God is actively proclaimed, drawing fervent response from the common people, in stark contrast to the religious establishment's resistance.
c. 20 BC - c. AD 1
Herodian Kingdom and Roman Influence
Judea is ruled by Herod the Great and his successors, often as client kings under Roman authority, creating a complex political landscape with varying degrees of autonomy and heavy taxation.
c. AD 27-30— this verse
Ministry of John the Baptist
John the Baptist begins his public ministry, calling people to repentance and baptizing them, heralding the imminent arrival of the Messiah and the Kingdom of God. He serves as a crucial transition figure between the Old Covenant and the New.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Public Ministry Begins
Jesus commences His public ministry, teaching, healing, and proclaiming the 'good news of the kingdom of God,' drawing large crowds including many who were marginalized by the religious elite.
c. AD 30-33
Rejection by Religious Leaders
Jesus and His followers face increasing opposition and criticism from the Scribes and Pharisees, who reject His teachings and authority, viewing His ministry as a threat to their established order.
c. AD 33
Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus
Jesus is crucified and then resurrected, marking the definitive inauguration of the Kingdom of God and the fulfillment of the Law and Prophets.
c. AD 33 onwards
Early Spread of the Gospel
Following Jesus' ascension, the apostles and early believers boldly preach the Gospel, and vast numbers of people, including many publicans and sinners, eagerly embrace the message.
This passage is directly alluded to, speaking of 'violent men' who 'take it by force,' highlighting the urgency and forceful determination required to enter the Kingdom of God proclaimed after John.
Acts 1:8It shows the continuation of God's kingdom being preached and its spread, emphasizing the power of the Holy Spirit enabling believers to be witnesses, mirroring the 'pressing in' to this new era.
Hebrews 4:1This verse speaks of the promise of entering God's rest, connecting the idea of 'pressing into' the kingdom with a spiritual reality and a continuous invitation that remains for believers.
John 1:17This passage contrasts the Law with grace and truth that came through Jesus, underscoring Luke 16:16's point that a new, more direct way of accessing God's kingdom was established with Jesus' ministry, following John.
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…
Jesus is pointing out a stark contrast: the religious leaders are actively resisting the Kingdom, yet crowds of ordinary people—publicans, sinners, everyone—are "forcing their way in" with incredible urgency and desire. This isn't just about people showing up; the Greek word suggests a forceful, even violent, entry, highlighting the immense enthusiasm and determination of those embracing God's new reign.
Jesus is speaking to the Pharisees, who have just been mocking him. He's explaining that John the Baptist marked a turning point, ushering in a new era where the message of God's kingdom is openly proclaimed, and many people, unlike the self-righteous Pharisees, are eagerly embracing it. This new kingdom, preached through the Gospel, is drawing crowds who are pressing in, seeking entry despite the opposition.
Jesus is speaking to the Pharisees, who have just been mocking him. He's explaining that John the Baptist marked a turning point, ushering in a new era where the message of God's kingdom is openly proclaimed, and many people, unlike the self-righteous Pharisees, are eagerly embracing it. This new kingdom, preached through the Gospel, is drawing crowds who are pressing in, seeking entry despite the opposition.
"“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." — Jesus is pointing out a stark contrast: the religious leaders are actively resisting the Kingdom, yet crowds of ordinary people—publicans, sinners, everyone—are "forcing their way in" with incredible…
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Last reviewed October 2026