Opposition

Back to Matthew 11.12...
I've found some help. Eugene Boring, writing in the New Interpreter's Bible Commentary (Abingdon, 1995, Vol. VIII), says that this is "one of the most difficult and most disputed texts in Matthew." Davis and Allison in the CECC list seven varieties of modern interpretation of this passage. One issue is whether the Greek term biazetai is in the middle voice as the NIV renders it) or the passive voice (as the NRSV renders it).

NIV: 'the kingdom of heaven suffers violence'
NRSV: 'the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence'

The related question is whether the next similar term (biastai) later in the sentence refers to 'forceful' believers in the positive sense, or to 'violent' opponents to the kingdom. Professor Boring writes: "It is, perhaps, best to regard this as another expression of the Matthean conviction that the non-violent eschatological kingdom represented by the advent of Jesus the meek king has met violent opposition from representatives of the opposing kingdom. The advent of God's kingdom as represented by John and Jesus provokes violent opposition."

So, the NRSV translation may give the better interpretation of the passage.

Jesus stirs up trouble. He doesn't cause trouble. He doesn't come with violence. But the gospel is a threat to the powerful, and they respond to Jesus' meekness with violence to secure their stuff.

To follow Jesus is to be walking into dangerous areas.