Preaching the Kingdom is a central theme in the New Testament, reflecting the mission and message of Jesus Christ and His apostles. The Kingdom of God, also referred to as the Kingdom of Heaven in the Gospel of Matthew, represents God's sovereign rule and redemptive reign over all creation. This concept is foundational to understanding the purpose and proclamation of the Gospel.

Jesus and the Kingdom

Jesus Christ began His public ministry with the proclamation of the Kingdom. In Matthew 4:17 , it is recorded, "From that time on Jesus began to preach, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.'" This message of repentance and the nearness of the Kingdom was central to His teaching and parables. Jesus used parables to illustrate the nature and value of the Kingdom, such as the Parable of the Mustard Seed (Matthew 13:31-32) and the Parable of the Hidden Treasure (Matthew 13:44).

The Kingdom of God was not only a future hope but also a present reality inaugurated through Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. In Luke 17:20-21 , Jesus states, "The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed, nor will they say, 'Look, here it is!' or 'There it is!' For behold, the kingdom of God is in your midst." This indicates that the Kingdom was present in the person and work of Christ.

The Apostolic Mission

After His resurrection, Jesus commissioned His disciples to continue preaching the Kingdom. In Acts 1:3 , it is noted that Jesus "presented Himself alive to them after His suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God." This instruction underscores the importance of the Kingdom in the apostolic mission.

The Book of Acts records the apostles' dedication to this task. Philip, for example, preached the Kingdom in Samaria, as seen in Acts 8:12 : "But when they believed Philip as he preached the gospel of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women." Similarly, the Apostle Paul consistently preached the Kingdom throughout his ministry. Acts 28:31 describes Paul in Rome, "Boldly and freely he proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ."

Theological Implications

Preaching the Kingdom involves declaring God's redemptive plan through Jesus Christ and calling individuals to repentance and faith. It emphasizes the transformative power of the Gospel, which brings individuals into a new relationship with God and into the community of believers, the Church. The Kingdom message also includes the hope of Christ's return and the consummation of God's reign, as expressed in Revelation 11:15 : "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever."

Practical Application

For believers, preaching the Kingdom involves living out its values and priorities, such as righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17). It calls Christians to be ambassadors of Christ, sharing the Gospel and demonstrating the love and justice of God's Kingdom in their daily lives. The message of the Kingdom challenges believers to seek first God's Kingdom and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33), trusting in His provision and sovereignty.