And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.
Ver. 12. And from the days of John, &c.] The Baptist is further commended from the good success of his ministry, a sweet seal, but no sure sign of a sanctified preacher; since many causes give that to others, that which themselves have not. Thus the lifeless heaven gives life to various creatures, the dull whetstone sharpens iron. A stinking breath may sound a trumpet with great commendation, &c. Howbeit the fruitfulness of the people is the preacher's testimonial, 2 Corinthians 3:2; and God delights to honour those of most sincerity with most success, as1 Corinthians 15:10 .
The kingdom of heaven suffereth violence] Men are resolved to have it, whatever pains or peril they pass through. As God's Israel violently invaded and overran the promised land, so do his elect lay hold on the promised inheritance. This true treasure, hitherto hidden,Romans 16:26, is now discovered and exposed to all that have a mind to it. Now therefore they are carried with all strength of affection after Christ; him they must have, whatever else they go without; towards him they fly as a cloud; and as a flock of doves they scour into the columbary, and rush into the windows, Isaiah 60:8 .
And the violent, &c.] The valiant, Isaiah calleth them, that break through all difficulties, as did David's worthies, and walk about the world as so many conquerors: yea, more than conquerors they are, Romans 8:37, and what can that be but triumphers? 2 Corinthians 2:14 .
Take it by force] Make a prey or a prize of it. Diripiunt, as Hilary rendereth it, making it a metaphor, from a tower or town sacked and ransacked by the enemy. Cyprus is an island so fruitful and pleasant, that it was anciently called Macaria, that is, blessed. And of it Sextus Rufus writeth, that being famous for riches, it thereby solicited the poverty of the people of Rome to seize upon it. a This may be more fitly said of heaven, that habitation of the happy ones, so eagerly and earnestly sought for by the saints, that nothing else will satisfy them. Valde protestatus sum me nolle sic a Deo satiari, said Luther, when great gifts were sent unto him, and a cardinalship offered him by the pope: God, he said, should not put him off with those petty things, he breathed after better. Heaven is had by the violent, earth inherited by those that are meek,Matthew 5:6. Where, though God would have his servants content with the least mercies (as being less than the very least), yet not satisfied with the greatest things in the world for their portion, since they are born to better. If they be, as most are, slothful in seeking to possess themselves of heaven, he chides them, as Joshua did the seven tribes for their negligence, Joshua 18:2 .
a Cyprus famosa divitiis paupertatem populi Rom. ut occuparetur, sollicitacit.