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Explanation for:
Matthew
11
:
12
And from the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent bear it away.
12
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{"arr":[{"author-name":"Jerome of Stridon","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88dcd3432c6dd41375498_Jerome%20of%20Stridon.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"As previously mentioned, John the Baptist emphasized the importance of turning from sin to the people, declaring, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matt. 3:2). This indicates that from that moment, the kingdom of heaven becomes a realm that can be seized with fervor, and those who exert themselves take it by force. Indeed, our earthly existence involves immense striving, as we aspire for a place in heaven and obtain through acts of righteousness what we have not been granted by our natural state. The least of the angels in heaven surpasses all humanity on earth, for we are being transformed into angelic beings. This is why, since the beginning of his ministry, the kingdom of heaven has been taken by force; it inspires the human soul to long for the angelic and compels the earthly creature to seek the dwelling of the divine."},{"author-name":"John Chrysostom","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ea76859f9f8e2ffd3ee_John%20Chrysostom.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"What relevance do these statements hold in relation to what has previously been discussed? They are of significant and close relevance. Through these words, the Savior encourages His listeners to place their trust in Him and simultaneously affirms what He previously mentioned about John.\\n\\nChrist stated: \\"they that use effort shall enter into the kingdom of heaven\\" (Matt. 11:12). When it comes to spiritual matters, steadfastness is vital and striving is commendable.\\n\\nI urge you, let us strive to transform our lives and sanctify our souls, ensuring that nothing impure hinders us. Illuminate the light of understanding within you, and refrain from sowing seed amidst thorns. If one fails to recognize that greed is a vice, how then will they comprehend anything further? If one does not turn away from earthly desires, how will they yearn for the heavenly realm? It is commendable to take joy, but not in transient things, rather in the kingdom of heaven: “they that use effort,” as it is said, “delight in it” (Matt. 11:12); thus it cannot be attained through laziness, but through earnest endeavor. What does it imply when we say “they that use effort”? It signifies that great diligence is essential, as the path is narrow; a youthful and vigorous spirit is necessary. Those who aspire to outshine all others disregard everything—neither judgment, nor condemnation, nor retribution; their sole focus is on how to elevate what they desire and to caution those who are ahead of them. Therefore, let us seize the kingdom of heaven. This longing is not sinful; rather, it is commendable; the true sin lies in failing to aspire. In this pursuit, our abundance does not harm others. Let us strive to find joy, and if we are vexed by anger or troubled by desire, let us transcend our natural inclinations, cultivate meekness, and labor diligently so that we may be eternally at peace. You shall not steal earthly riches, but rather acquire true wealth, where gold appears as mere dirt. Consider this: if lead and gold were presented to you, which would you choose to take? Is it not evident that you would choose gold? In cases where an offender is punished, would you not prefer the superior choice? Even if the offender should receive accolades, would you not still prefer what is superior? Indeed, would you not choose wisely, even if punishment were associated with both options? Yet here, there exists no such dilemma, but rather pure bliss. You might wonder how one can seize the kingdom of heaven. Release what you hold. While you clutch it, you are unable to grasp it. Picture a man whose hands are full of silver; can he seize the gold while still holding onto the silver? He must release it to be free. One who steals must not be bound in any way, lest he be caught. Presently, there exist hostile forces assailing us, attempting to deprive us of the kingdom of heaven. Let us escape from them, leaving nothing for their grasp. Let us sever the ties, divesting ourselves of worldly attachments. What need do you have for extravagant garments? How long shall we drape ourselves in frivolous attire? How long shall we conceal gold in the earth? I wish I could refrain from discussing this continually; however, you persistently provide reasons and temptations to do so. Now, let us at last leave it behind, that by living righteous lives we may obtain the promised blessings, through the grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom be glory alongside the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and forever, and throughout all ages. Amen.\\n\\n“The kingdom of heaven,” declares the Lord, “is taken by force, and those who use effort shall climb it” (Matthew 11:12). Be diligent in your pursuit here; be one who seeks earnestly; what is taken here remains undiminished. Virtue is never divided, piety is never lessened, nor is the kingdom of heaven diminished. On the contrary, virtue increases when pursued; yet material possessions dwindle under theft. This is clear when considering an immense crowd in a city; if they all seek virtue and righteousness, they will enhance it, creating multitudes of righteous individuals; conversely, if they fail to pursue it, its presence will diminish and become scarce."},{"author-name":"Caesarius of Nazianzus","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88a176e0f4c3aeca7aee3_Caesarius%20of%20Nazianzus.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"What is the instruction of the Lord when He states, \\"From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven is taken by force, and those who use force seize it\\"? We recognize that every invader merits judgment and condemnation; how should we comprehend the Lord's words? John heralded the coming of the kingdom of heaven, and when the Savior arrived, those who did not waver and held true faith, transcended the limitations of nature through great self-discipline and trials. They achieved a state of apatheia by overcoming bodily desires, choosing to tread a challenging and narrow path of righteousness. They strive diligently, performing the acts necessary for the ultimate reward, as the holy Apostle has expressed."},{"author-name":"Isidore of Pelusium","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88d94130e668938c9ae9d_Isidore%20of%20Pelusium.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":5,"exegesis-text":"The rewards that await us surpass all human honor and far exceed any remuneration that could be expected for our toil. The sufferings of this present world are not worthy of the glory that is to be unveiled in us (Rom. 8:18), as stated by the chosen instrument (Acts 9:15). These rewards compel the frailty of our nature. This is why it is proclaimed, \\"The kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.\\" Who are these determined individuals? They are those who discipline their bodies through fasting, embrace chastity, and pursue various virtues, subjecting themselves to the laws of the Spirit, thereby turning their beings into instruments of encouragement and support for righteousness."},{"author-name":"Hesychius of Jerusalem","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ca04ac3836441d1cf62_Hesychius%20of%20Jerusalem.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":5,"exegesis-text":"Furthermore, those who, through a sense of weariness, refrain from committing sin through their actions are regarded as blessed in the sight of God, angels, and humanity. This is because those who practice such restraint are called ‘the takers of the kingdom of heaven’ (Matthew 11:12)."},{"author-name":"Gregory the Great","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88c2b032f5f6e5effaa54_Gregory%20the%20Great.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":6,"exegesis-text":"We should carefully reflect on the words of Divine Wisdom. We must ponder how the Kingdom of Heaven can be seized forcefully. Who has the power to commit violence against heaven? Furthermore, if the Kingdom can indeed be taken by force, why did such actions commence only during the time of John the Baptist, rather than earlier? The Law states that if a man commits this or that sin, he should face death, making it evident to all readers that this Law imposed punishment on every sinner in accordance with its strictness and did not lead them to life through repentance. However, when John the Baptist, heralding the grace of the Redeemer, proclaims repentance to awaken the sinner, who lies dead in guilt, it is from the days of John the Baptist that the Kingdom of Heaven begins to be taken by force. What is the Kingdom of Heaven if not the abode of the Righteous? Only the Righteous are granted the rewards of the Heavenly Homeland, so that the humble, pure, meek, and merciful may attain the highest joys. Yet, when anyone, whether consumed by pride, tainted by sinful desires, or filled with anger and wickedness, turns from their sin to repentance and receives Eternal Life, that sinner is placed as if they were an outsider. Thus, from the days of John the Baptist, the Kingdom of Heaven is seized with force, and the valiant take hold of it, for he who preached repentance taught them to pursue the Kingdom with fervor. Therefore, dear brethren, let us reflect on the wrongs we have committed and immerse ourselves in unending sorrow. Let us claim the inheritance of the righteous, which we have neglected, through our repentance. The Almighty God is willing to endure such violence from us, desiring that the Kingdom of Heaven, to which we have no right through our deeds, be attained by our tears. Consequently, let no measure of our sins hinder us from holding fast to the hope of faithfulness. The profound hope of forgiveness is illustrated by the honorable thief, who earned this title not for his wrongdoing, but through his confession. Consider, then, the unfathomable nature of God's mercy. This thief, whose hands were stained with blood, hung upon the cross, where he made his confession, found healing, and was promised: Today you will be with Me in paradise (Luke 23:43). What a marvel! Who can fully comprehend and express such goodness from God? From the very punishment for transgressions, it moves toward the rewards of virtue. Yet, the Almighty has permitted some of His chosen to fall into transgressions to offer hope of forgiveness to others enveloped in iniquity, if they turn to Him wholeheartedly, thereby opening the pathway to righteousness through tears of repentance. Let us, therefore, engage in heartfelt weeping, eradicating our offenses with tears and deeds worthy of repentance; let us not squander the time granted for correction. Observing many who have been healed from their wrongdoings, what more do we receive than the assurance of Supreme Mercy? To our Lord Jesus Christ, along with the Father and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory forever. Amen."},{"author-name":"Symeon the New Theologian","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c897eec143c131d21207b3_Symeon%20the%20New%20Theologian.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":10,"exegesis-text":"Consequently, anyone who emulates the saints through their actions and achievements is likely to attain a similar grace. This holds true, as none of the holy fathers, whether before or after they received the grace of the Holy Spirit, could emerge from the darkness of the soul and behold the illumination of the Holy Spirit without toil, valor, and perseverance, accompanied by personal discipline, inner struggle, and sorrow. For the pursuit of the kingdom of heaven is demanding, and those who earnestly seek it find joy therein, as it is necessary to experience many hardships to enter it (Matt. 11:12; Acts 14:22). This kingdom represents the grace of the Holy Spirit, as indicated by the Lord's words: ‘The kingdom of God is within you’ (Luke 17:21), prompting us to accept and nurture the Holy Spirit within ourselves."},{"author-name":"Theophylact of Bulgaria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989296bafed9104677d7_Theophylact%20of%20Bulgaria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":11,"exegesis-text":"This may appear unrelated to the preceding statements, yet it is indeed connected. Note this: by declaring Himself greater than John, Christ inspires faith in His listeners, demonstrating that many find joy in the kingdom of heaven, which is their faith in Him. Such a task demands significant effort: what a struggle it is to depart from one’s parents and disregard one’s soul!"},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"Chrysostom asserts that faith in Christ serves as the assurance of the Kingdom of Heaven, which signifies the experience of divine blessings. It is nurtured, meaning that individuals find profound joy in it when they strive against their own desires and the oppression of doubt. To illustrate this point, he notes that women in need take great pleasure in such commendable endeavors. He suggests that this admirable struggle began with the ministry of John, who called out to the people, \\"Repent ye, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.\\" Christ spoke this to honor John, who had initiated the journey of salvation for humanity, and to inspire His listeners to pursue a similar transformation within themselves."},{"author-name":"Gregory the Sinaite","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88c387b66f7fc274de97b_Gregory%20the%20Sinaite.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":13,"exegesis-text":"Concentrate your thoughts within your heart, and from this place, earnestly call upon the Lord Jesus, imploring, \\"Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me.\\" Resist the tendencies of fear and despair; instead, examine your heart and engage your body in the pursuit of the Lord's presence. Strive in every way to do this, for the kingdom of God belongs to those who seek it earnestly, as evident in the words of the Lord: “the kingdom of God suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force” (Mt. 11:12). This illustrates that our pursuit requires diligent effort and dedication.\\n\\nIn your prayers, if you encounter discomfort in your head and shoulders, endure it and seek the Lord with fervor and commitment. The kingdom of heaven is seized through strength, and only those who expend effort will attain it (Matthew 11:12). By these words, the Lord emphasizes the significance of such labor; enduring with patience is essential, as it often leads to the ailments of both soul and body.\\n\\nIt is crucial to understand the nature of the hardships intrinsic to ascetic practice and to clarify how each form of endeavor should be undertaken. This will ensure that no one, while undertaking this path without pain and failing to reap the rewards, will justly blame us or themselves for their experience. Genuine heartache and physical toil accomplish the true work. Through them, the presence of the Holy Spirit—bestowed upon you and every believer in baptism—becomes apparent. However, neglecting the commandments leads to this gift being buried beneath our passions, and it awaits our repentance with immeasurable mercy. Thus, at the end of our struggles, we must not hear the admonition: “Take from him the talent” (Matthew 25:28) or “From him will be taken away even that which he seemeth to have” (Luke 8:18). We must also avoid being cast into eternal punishment in Gehenna.\\n\\nEvery act—spiritual or physical—that lacks toil and suffering yields no benefits, whether bodily or spiritual. For the Kingdom of Heaven, as the Lord teaches, is claimed through force, and those who labor shall possess it (Matt. 11:12). Here, “force” implies the various forms of pain we may endure. It is common to see many toil without hardship or labor only briefly, lacking fervent enthusiasm, resulting in their alienation from purity and limited participation in the gifts of the Holy Spirit due to their avoidance of necessary trials. Those who are neglectful or lazy, despite occasionally appearing to be worn out, ultimately produce no fruits because their efforts are devoid of hardship. As expressed, “Though we may accomplish many great acts, if we do not cultivate a heart full of pain, they become null and void.” Likewise, when we glide towards heaven without earnest effort, succumbing to distractions, we gain no advantage, becoming overshadowed by the truth that in such distractions, we mistakenly find rest which doesn’t exist. We become ensnared and inactive in our endeavors, indulging in comfort, especially as novices.\\n\\nThe venerable Ephraim further counsels: “Engage in hard labor to avoid the anguish of futile efforts. If, according to the prophet, our loins do not feel the loosening that follows fasting labor, and if we do not experience the pains akin to childbirth” (see: Isaiah 21:3), “through a steadfast heart in prayer, we will not give rise to the spirit of salvation within our hearts” (see: Isaiah 26:18). Reflecting on our existence, we may only boast about the duration of our efforts, our presence in desolate terrains, and our retreat from diligence and silence. When we face death, we will fully grasp the complete yield of our lives."},{"author-name":"Theophan the Recluse","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8983a6e0f4c3aecaae3fc_Theophan%20the%20Recluse.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Why did the Lord proclaim that from the time of John the Baptist the kingdom of God would be seized with intensity, whereas prior to John this was not the case? The answer lies in the interpretation of seizing by force, which is not entirely accurate. In the divine scheme of salvation, nothing is taken by force. A more precise translation is found in the Slavonic term *nuditsya*, which suggests a sense of urgency, self-discipline, and an exertion of effort in the pursuit of the kingdom. The Greek connotation aligns with this understanding. The essence is that one makes their way into the kingdom much like one navigates through a bustling crowd. In practice, it requires self-discipline and an internal struggle, both of which are essential for seeking salvation and the kingdom of God. Only those who embody these qualities will enter the kingdom, as it is not granted preferentially to anyone. The significance of this principle, starting from the days of John or, as mentioned elsewhere, following the law and the prophets, remains beyond our full comprehension, as we acknowledge our limitation in explaining it. \\n\\nThe kingdom is eagerly sought, signifying that through need, toil, and substantial effort, it is attained; thus, it is accessible only to those who embrace a life of arduous labor and asceticism. This path to the Kingdom dismisses all forms of comfort. Indulgences, in various forms, hinder access to the Kingdom, and in contemporary times, we are primarily focused on pleasures that are often more physical than spiritual—such as eating, drinking, enjoying leisure, and indulging in various delights. Although the kingdom extends a gracious invitation, saying, “Please, forgive me,” it holds within it a feast fit for royalty, a banquet beyond our imagination, yet our desires differ vastly from what it offers. What is deemed sweet in that kingdom may be bitter to us; what is seen as delightful there may be repugnant to us; what brings joy there feels burdensome to us. Meanwhile, the Kingdom is moving away with the needy souls who find joy in it. We feel pleased and may even wish to hasten their departure, yet the adversary appears to complicate matters further."},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Christ has arrived, and the Kingdom of God has been made manifest. John the Baptist, who heralded His coming, is now more aligned with the New Covenant than the Old Covenant. \\"FROM THE DAYS OF JOHN the Baptist,\\" when he revealed the forthcoming Messiah, the KINGDOM OF GOD is no longer merely anticipated; it has been taken with fervor, much like cities are captured in battle, for it is already present. Those who submit to His authority will respect it. This Kingdom is revered by all who repent, as they sorrowfully relinquish their dreams of an earthly conqueror and the allure of carnal pleasure within His reign, choosing instead to embrace repentance and undergo a profound transformation in their moral lives."}]}
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