I tell you the truth: John the Baptizer is greater than any man that has ever lived. But even the least important person in the kingdom of heaven is greater than John.
Matthew 11:12 - Easy To Read Version Since the time John the Baptizer came until now, the kingdom of heaven has been going forward strongly. {\cf2\super [138]} People using force have been trying to get the kingdom. More versionsKing James Version (Oxford) 1769 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. Amplified Bible - Classic Edition And from the days of John the Baptist until the present time, the kingdom of heaven has endured violent assault, and violent men seize it by force [as a precious prize–a share in the heavenly kingdom is sought with most ardent zeal and intense exertion]. American Standard Version (1901) And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and men of violence take it by force. Common English Bible From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven is violently attacked as violent people seize it. Catholic Public Domain Version But from the days of John the Baptist, even until now, the kingdom of heaven has endured violence, and the violent carry it away. Douay-Rheims version of The Bible - 1752 version And from the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent bear it away. |
I tell you the truth: John the Baptizer is greater than any man that has ever lived. But even the least important person in the kingdom of heaven is greater than John.
All the prophets {\cf2\super [139]} and the law \{of Moses\} spoke until the time John came. They told about the things that would happen.
Jesus answered, “Let it be this way for now. We should do all things that are right.” So John agreed to baptize {\cf2\super [45]} Jesus.
“Try hard to enter through the narrow door \{that opens the way to heaven\}! Many people will try to enter there, but they will not be able to enter.
“Before John the Baptizer came, God wanted the people to live by the law \{of Moses\} and the writings of the prophets. {\cf2\super [263]} But since the time of John, the Good News about the kingdom of God is being told. Many people are trying hard to get into the kingdom of God.
Earthly food spoils and ruins. So don’t work to get that kind of food. But work to get the food that stays good always and gives you life forever. The Son of Man {\cf2\super [87]} will give you that food. God the Father showed that he is with the Son of Man.”
My dear friends, you have always obeyed. You obeyed God when I was with you. It is even more important that you obey now while I am not there \{to help you\}. You yourselves must live in a way that moves you toward your salvation. Do this with respect and fear for God.