Matthew 24:37Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

How does Christ articulate the phrase, “After the tribulation of those days”? If it is true that pleasures, peace, and security await us, as Paul has mentioned, why then does Christ declare, “After the tribulation of those days”? Can there truly be tribulation amidst joy? We must consider that the pleasures and peace in question are often experienced by those who are spiritually insensate. Therefore, the apostle didn’t state, “When there shall be peace,” but rather, “When they shall say, ‘Peace and safety,’” illustrating their lack of awareness—similar to the people in the days of Noah, who, despite facing immense disasters, continued to live in indulgence, whereas the righteous endured sorrow and anguish.

To demonstrate the accuracy of His teachings, the Lord refers to the occurrences during Noah's era. Just as many ridiculed the construction of the ark until the flood arrived and swept them all away, so too do some deride the proclamation regarding the end times; yet, unexpected devastation will descend upon them. The Lord predicts that as the arrival of the Antichrist approaches, a strong desire for pleasure will grip humanity, leading them to fervently pursue marriage and indulge in extravagance.

It is inquired how it is stated, For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there shall be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places; yet this is merely the beginning of sorrows, and current prophecies indicate that events which signal a time of tranquility shall occur. To clarify this, we must consider the Apostle's words, acknowledging that after conflicts, strife, harmful diseases, famines, and earthquakes—among other tribulations that devastate humanity—a temporary peace will emerge, one that heralds a profound and complete peace. This temporary peace is intended to fortify the faith of believers or, through the cessation of disasters, to instill hope that the Divine Judge is near. Indeed, as the Apostle Paul notes, When they say, “Peace and safety,” then sudden destruction will come upon them, just as the pains of childbirth come upon a pregnant woman, and they shall not escape (1 Thessalonians 5:3).

In these profound words spoken by Jesus, an unfathomable divine authority was revealed. Each listener sensed that they were receiving more than just a simple warning; indeed, the cosmos appeared poised to shift to accommodate their realization. - The God-Man continued, - concerning the final day and hour of the entire world (Matthew 24:36), no one possesses this knowledge—not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son Himself (Mark 13:32), but only the Father.

Jesus Christ highlights the relationship between the era of the flood and the time of His return (Matt. 24:37-39, Lk. 17:25-27). Interestingly, He does not specify the exact nature of His coming (Lk. 17:20), yet the flood serves as an emblem of the profound transformation associated with His first gracious and glorious arrival. The parallels among these three significant occurrences in Scripture are underscored by their shared theme of divine judgment (Heb. 11:7, Jn. 12:31, Rev. 20:11-12) and the specific conclusion they lead to (Gen. 6:13, Dan. 9:24-27, Gal. 4:4, Mt. 24:14).

To clarify that Jesus Christ was not unaware of the day of the world’s conclusion, He discloses fresh signs of His return: BUT, AS IT WAS IN THE DAYS OF NOAH, SO SHALL IT BE AT THE COMING OF THE SON OF MAN, occurring just as abruptly and unexpectedly.

The question posed by the disciples revolved around two themes: the timeline and signs of the conclusion of both Jerusalem and the world, as well as the return of Christ. Thus far, the Lord had addressed the latter aspect of their inquiry. From this point onward, He begins to clarify the timing of the foretold events. He first teaches them that they would recognize the approach of the end by the signs He describes, much like one can discern that summer is near by observing the soft and leafy branches of the fig tree.

No one knows when it will occur, neither the angels in heaven nor anyone but my Father. People will continue to live heedlessly, as they did in the days of Noah; they will partake in eating, drinking, marrying, and giving in marriage, unaware that the end is near. Just as the people of Noah's time failed to recognize the impending destruction until Noah entered the ark and the flood swept them away, so will it be at the return of the Son of Man. Many will be oblivious to the fact that the moment has arrived to give an account to God for their lives. Therefore, be vigilant, so that your hearts are not burdened with indulgence and drunkenness or the anxieties of life, and that day does not come upon you unexpectedly. It will arrive like a snare upon all who dwell on the entire earth (Luke 21:34-35).

The return of Christ is likened to the times of Noah. This comparison highlights that His coming will be abrupt and unforeseen, much like the flood was in that era, since the timing of Christ's return is described only in broad terms. Additionally, the ethical state of humanity at the time of the second coming will resemble that of people during Noah's age.

When the arrival of the Son of Man remains uncertain, it is essential for believers to maintain spiritual vigilance: watch, watch, and pray, for the timing is unknown. To impress upon His disciples the importance of this call to spiritual alertness, the Lord shared a parable likening Himself to a master who departs from his home, representing the Church, to return to His Father in heaven, and eventually comes back to His servants to assess their stewardship. As a man leaves his house, entrusting authority and assignments to his servants, he instructs the gatekeeper to remain on guard. This command for spiritual vigilance serves as a universal directive for all of Christ’s followers throughout all ages until the end of time: I say unto you, I say unto all, watch.