Explaining Matt. 11:12

Q. In Matthew 11:12, who is taking the kingdom by force, what does this passage mean?? I have tried to find a commentary on it but to no avail.

A. It’s a confusing verse.  In effect it means that in spite of opposition which had already been expressed in violence (the imprisonment of John the Baptist), the Kingdom was advancing.  And the men who were helping it advance would be made strong enough to withstand this violence.  The word translated taking in this verse literally means carrying it away. The Apostles would carry the Gospel into the world in the face of great persecution.