As I researched through some Bible commentaries on this subject matter, I discovered that, the Greek word biazetai, ('has been forcefully advancing'), can be interpreted with two possibilities in mind: First, that 'the kingdom practices violence, forces its way by violence'; and secondly, it may mean, 'is brought with violence' (by violent people).
In both cases the first part of the verse means that since John the time of John the Baptist the Kingdom of Heaven has been breaking through with power, like a storm, dealing a heavy blow to satan's authority. (Mattew 11:4-5, 12:28-29).
''Forceful men lay hold of it,'' says that the kingdom is not for those who would belong to it without trouble. It is for those who risk everything, who consciously and with full zeal seize the chance of entering the kingdom of God (matt 7:13-14). In the original Greek text, very forceful terms are used: Biaz, use violence in attaining ones ends. The gates are open for those who will take possession of the kingdom.
In my own comprehension of Matthew 11;12, the violence mentioned indicates strength, vigour and eagerness of desire and endeavour which is a mark of those who followed John's ministry which of course is a pattern of Jesus' ministry. I agreed with a view expressed in one of the contributions I read that the ''violence'' may not necessarily infer gymnastics in prayers, but rather the disposition or fervency (i.e. intense feeling; passion) with which we pray.
A look at some of the Biblical accounts of prayers made by men could make the point clearer:
1. Jesus while praying just before He was taken away according to Luke 22:44, ''was in agony and prayed more earnestly'' (see also Luke9:29);
2. The word of Prophecy had gone forth in Ikings18:41-44, so Ahab could go and eat, but for the Elijah it was time to war;
3. If gymnastics was all Israel knew to do they may never have touched God. Of course the taskmasters might even interpret the noise and shouting from such activity as a show of being less occupied with work. But the Bible says in Exo 3:7-8 they cried out passionately and God heard.
4. David prayed a prayer of desperation while in the wilderness of Judah (Psa63:1-2)
Summarily, in Matthew 11:12, I believe Jesus' reference to violence may be referring to both the intensity of spiritual warfare surrounding the ministry of Jesus and His herald and also to the intensity required to persevere in following God and taking the kingdom into our hearts.
In other words if we must enter into the kingdom of heaven we must strive to enter; that kingdom suffers a holy violence; it therefore suggests to us what fervency and zeal are required of all. Self must be denied; the bent, the frame and temper of the mind must be altered. Those that will have an interest in the great salvation will have it upon any terms, ready to pay whatever price it costs and not think them hard, nor quit their hold without laying hold on the blessing.

Warm Regards,

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