Christ adds a solemn assurance that his words have in them a vitality and endurance which the mightiest works of nature do not possess. The facts and truths embodied in his words are sure and steadfast, and what he has promised or predicted shall inevitably be fulfilled. This verse is omitted by א but it is most probably genuine, as it undoubtedly has its place in the other two synoptists. read more
The apostles had asked ( Matthew 24:3 ), "When shall these things be?" Christ does not now expressly answer this question; he puts forth strongly the uncertainty in the knowledge of these great events, and how this ignorance is disciplinary. Of that day ( de die illa, Vulgate) and hour, viz. when Christ shall appear in judgment, The expression plainly, implies that a definite day and moment are fixed for this great appearing, but known only to God. Knoweth no man , no, not ( ... read more
As the days of Noe were. In citing this example, the Lord has special reference to the fact that the warning then given was not heeded ( Genesis 6:3 ). If, as seems probable, the antediluvians had more than a century's warning of the coming flood, it can hardly be only the suddenness of the calamity to which Christ would point ( 1 Peter 3:20 ). He has used the illustration elsewhere ( Luke 17:26 , Luke 17:27 ), where also the destruction of Sodom is adduced as a type of the last day.... read more
They were eating, etc. The Lord describes the reckless way in which men went on their usual course, pursued their pleasures and avocations, with the doom. hanging over them, in spite of the warning given. The word for "eating" ( τρω ì γοντες ) implies the idea of gnawing food greedily like an animal, hence eating gluttonously. They had learned to drink to excess long before Lot's time ( Genesis 9:20 , Genesis 9:21 ). The periphrastic form of expression, ἦσαν τρω ì γοντες ... read more
Knew not. They would not comprehend the signs of the coming judgment, or, at any rate, refused to profit by them, preferring their own carnal pleasures to the care of their souls and the amendment of their lives. The Lord assures us that similar recklessness and unbelief will be found at his coming. Doubtless anguish and fear will fill many hearts, but the general feeling will be incredulity, and a false security which refuses to take warning. Sadler compares it to Belshazzar's feast at the... read more
The Lord gives two examples of the suddenness of his advent, and its effect in private life. Shall two be in the field. They shall be working together at their ordinary agricultural occupations, with nothing outwardly to distinguish one from the other, good and bad being mingled together. The one shall be taken ( παραλαμβανεται is taken, the present implying certainty), and the other left ( ἀφι ì εται , is deft ) . Christ speaks as though he saw the scene before him. The... read more
The taken and the left. This suggests suitable instruction for a time when sudden death visits a family or a Church. At such times there is gracious work to be done, in sympathizing with the smitten and bereaved, and in teaching solemn lessons. I. Illustrate the text in cases of PRESERVATION FROM DANGER . Help toward the nourishing of devout gratitude. Take cases of the few spared from a shipwreck, or recovered from a mine accident. Or case of Luther's friend Alexis, who was... read more
One taken, and another left. What our Lord here somewhat obscurely applies to the time of the coming judgment is clearly seen in all ages and in every family where death is plying his erratic craft. I. THE DISTINCTION . There are the greatest possible variations in providence. God does not follow any regimental orders. The ages do not march with the measured tramp of drilled battalions. Families are broken up. Aged men are left, while young men are snatched away. Bad people flourish... read more
Two women shall be grinding at ( ἐν ) the mill. In the absence of mills turned by wind or water, which were of much later invention, every household had its own little handmill, worked by women of the family or by slaves ( Exodus 11:5 ; 16:21 ; Isaiah 47:2 ). "Two stones, about eighteen inches or two feet across, rest one on the other, the under one slightly higher towards the centre, and the upper one hollowed out to fit this convexity; a hole through it, in the middle, receiving... read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 24:34
A key to our Lord's meaning. "This generation shall not pass till all these things be fulfilled." The position in which these words stand is significant. Many writers see references to the commonly called "end of the world" in Matthew 24:29-31 because the imagery is so large as to seem unsuitable for a mere national desolation. Our Lord meets that difficulty, and distinctly declares that the figures picture events which belong to that generation. What needs to be clearly seen is, that... read more