And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation:
Pharisees question about the kingdom: 'And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation.' The Pharisees 'demanded' (ἐπερωτηθεὶς, eperōtētheis, were questioning/interrogating) about 'when the kingdom of God should come' (πότε ἔρχεται ἡ βασιλεία τοῦ θεοῦ, pote erchetai hē basileia tou Theou). They expected a visible, political, military messianic kingdom overthrowing Rome. Jesus' answer contradicts this: 'The kingdom of God cometh not with observation' (οὐκ ἔρχεται μετὰ παρατηρήσεως, ouk erchetai meta paratērēseōs). The term 'observation' means careful watching for visible signs. The kingdom doesn't arrive with trumpet blasts, military conquest, or political revolution but through spiritual transformation invisible to physical eyes.
Historical Context
Jewish messianic expectations focused on visible restoration of Davidic monarchy, Jerusalem's exaltation, and Israel's dominance. These hopes fueled revolutionary movements throughout the first century. Jesus consistently disappointed these expectations, teaching that His kingdom was 'not of this world' (John 18:36). The kingdom came through His death and resurrection, establishing spiritual reign over hearts before eventual visible return in glory. The Pharisees' question reflected political hopes; Jesus' answer redirected to spiritual realities. This teaching prepared disciples for a kingdom that advances through gospel proclamation, not military might; through suffering service, not political power; through death and resurrection, not revolution.
Questions for Reflection
How did Jesus' teaching about the kingdom's nature contradict Jewish expectations?
What does it mean that the kingdom comes 'not with observation'—without visible signs?
How should this teaching shape Christian expectations about the church's role in politics and culture?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Pharisees question about the kingdom: 'And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation.' The Pharisees 'demanded' (ἐπερωτηθεὶς, eperōtētheis, were questioning/interrogating) about 'when the kingdom of God should come' (πότε ἔρχεται ἡ βασιλεία τοῦ θεοῦ, pote erchetai hē basileia tou Theou). They expected a visible, political, military messianic kingdom overthrowing Rome. Jesus' answer contradicts this: 'The kingdom of God cometh not with observation' (οὐκ ἔρχεται μετὰ παρατηρήσεως, ouk erchetai meta paratērēseōs). The term 'observation' means careful watching for visible signs. The kingdom doesn't arrive with trumpet blasts, military conquest, or political revolution but through spiritual transformation invisible to physical eyes.