# The law and the prophets

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

# were in effect

"had authority" or "were what people needed to obey"

# John came

"John the Baptist came"

# the gospel of the kingdom of God is preached

"we teach people about the good news of the kingdom of God"

# everyone tries to force their way into it

"many people are doing everything they can to enter it"