ISB ~ Luke 16 v16

The law and the prophets:A shorthand reference to the OT (24:44). John the Baptist stands at the pivot of salvation history, being included within the OT era even as he concludes it. Both he and the OT Scriptures announced the coming of Jesus (CCC 523).

violently:Refers to the persecution of Christians or to the ascetic disciplines exemplified by John. See note on Mt 11:12.