# The law and the prophets

This refers to all of God's word that had been written up to that time.

# John came

This refers to John the Baptist. AT: "John the Baptist came" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

# the gospel of the kingdom of God is preached

This can be stated in active form. AT: "I am teaching people about the gospel of the kingdom of God" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

# everyone tries to force their way into it

This refers to the people who were listening to and accepting the teaching of Jesus. AT: "many people are doing everything they can to enter it"

# it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one stroke of a letter of the law to become invalid

This contrast could be stated in the reverse order. AT: "even the smallest stroke of the letter of the law will last longer than heaven and earth will exist"

# than for one stroke of a letter

A "stroke" is the smallest part of a letter. It refers to something in the law that may seem to be insignificant. AT: "than for even the smallest detail of the law" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

# become invalid

"disappear" or "cease to exist"

# translationWords

* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]]
* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]]
* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/names/johnthebaptist]]
* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/goodnews]]
* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/kingdomofgod]]
* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/preach]]
* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/heaven]]
* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/earth]]