en_tn_condensed/luk/16/16.md

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

This refers to John the Baptist. Alternate translation: "John the Baptist came" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-explicit)

the gospel of the kingdom of God is preached

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I am teaching people about the good news of the kingdom of God" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/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. Alternate translation: "many people are doing everything they can to enter it"