What does Luke 17:20 mean by "the kingdom of God is not coming with signs"? Historical Setting The Pharisees expected overt political upheaval: Messiah overthrowing Rome, visible cosmic portents (cf. Isaiah 13:10; Daniel 7:13-14). Jewish writings from Qumran (1QM), 4 Ezra, and the Sibylline Oracles envision fire, armies, and unmistakable spectacle. Their question, “When?” assumed that sweeping signs would precede a public coronation. Meaning Of Paraterēsis (“Signs”) Paraterēsis appears only here in the NT and emphasizes something that can be watched, tracked, or visibly marked out. Jesus denies that the decisive arrival (“in-breaking”) of God’s reign corresponds to such watchable portents. The kingdom’s inauguration during His earthly ministry is hidden to unbelieving eyes (cf. Matthew 13:31-33 parables of mustard seed and leaven). Entos Humōn—“Within” Or “Among” You? 1. “Within you” in a spiritual sense fits individual disciples but clashes with an audience of unbelieving Pharisees. 2. “Among you / in your midst” highlights Jesus Himself standing before them (cf. John 1:26; Matthew 12:28). Early Greek commentators (Origen, Chrysostom) and modern lexicons (BDAG, LSJ) affirm the communal nuance, and papyri examples use entos for spatial “among.” Thus Jesus declares: the king is here, so the kingdom is present, though unaccompanied by the cataclysm they demand. Already–Not-Yet Dimension • Already: Jesus casts out demons “by the finger of God” (Luke 11:20); proclaims “the time is fulfilled” (Mark 1:15). Acts 2 evidences kingdom power in Spirit-empowered witness, healing, and transformed community (Acts 2:42-47). • Not Yet: Later in the same chapter (Luke 17:24, 30), Jesus warns of a future Parousia “like lightning,” globally visible. Luke 21 lists heavenly signs (vv. 11, 25). Revelation 11:15 pictures consummation. The current phase is seedtime; harvest awaits the King’s return. Comparative Scripture Daniel 2:44 foresaw a divine kingdom “not left to another people” that begins during earthly empires and then fills the earth. Isaiah 9:6-7 predicts an already-established throne that yet “increases” forever. Romans 14:17 defines the present kingdom as “righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit,” an internal reality before its external triumph (1 Corinthians 15:24-28). Practical Implications 1. Reject sign-chasing sensationalism (Matthew 12:39). Miracles still occur, yet faith rests on the risen Christ (John 20:29) and Scripture (2 Peter 1:19). 2. Embrace internal submission to the King—repentance and Spirit regeneration are the authentic indicators (John 3:3-5). 3. Participate in kingdom mission: proclaim the gospel to all nations (Luke 24:47), live kingdom ethics (Matthew 5-7), display communal love (John 13:35). Eschatological Balance • Beware false alarms: “They will say, ‘Look, He is in the inner rooms’ ” (Matthew 24:26). • Live vigilant holiness: “Blessed is that servant whom the master finds doing so when he comes” (Luke 12:43). • Hope in visible return: Acts 1:11 guarantees the same Jesus will come “in like manner.” Summary Luke 17:20 teaches that the decisive arrival of God’s reign began quietly in the personal presence and ministry of Jesus. It is not ushered in by dramatic astronomical or political signs, but by the King Himself establishing a spiritual dominion in repentant hearts—spreading, transforming, and awaiting a future, unmistakable consummation. Those who look only for spectacular signs miss the very King standing before them; those who bow to Him now experience the life of the age to come and await its full revelation in glory. |
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