In what way was the kingdom of God "in [their] midst"? (Luke 17:20–21)
Especially Luke 17:20-21
Luke 17:20 - 37
ESV - 20 Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, he answered them, "The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed. 21 Nor will they say, 'Look, here it is!' or 'There!' for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.
Clarify
•
Share
•
Report
•
Asked April 23 2021
•
Jack Gutknecht
Supporter
Community answers are sorted based on votes. The higher the vote, the further up an answer is.
Tim Maas
Supporter
Even though Jesus' words could (in the sense noted in the question) be regarded as pertaining to His physical presence (as God incarnate) among His listeners at that time, I would say that, in my opinion, the wording in the cited verse is more accurately rendered in English (as multiple translations do on the biblehub.com website) as "the kingdom of God is within you." To me, this agrees more closely with the idea expressed by Jesus in the same passage that God's kingdom would not come with outwardly visible signs, so that it would be possible to say, "Here it is" or "There it is", but instead by an intangible inward transformation affecting the heart (in the sense of the seat of emotions) and mind (as the seat of thought) of each individual believer.
Add your Answer
All answers are REVIEWED and MODERATED.
Please ensure your answer MEETS all our guidelines.
A good answer provides new insight and perspective. Here are guidelines to help facilitate a meaningful learning experience for everyone.
- Adhere to the eBible Statement of Faith.
- Your answer should be complete and stand-alone.
- Include supporting arguments, and scripture references if possible. Seek to answer the "why".
- Adhere to a proper tone and spirit of love and understanding.
- For more info see The Complete Guide to eBible