Matthew 24:38Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

This analogy serves to explain their lack of awareness regarding impending judgment. How, then, can Christ speak of events occurring “after the tribulation of those days” (Matt. 24:29)? If there is a time of enjoyment, “peace and safety,” according to Paul, how can Christ also reference “tribulation”? Here, He indicates that the pleasures and false security belong to those who are spiritually insensitive. The apostle does not assert, “When there will be peace,” but states, “when they say, Peace and safety,” thereby highlighting their spiritual dullness, reminiscent of the people in Noah's time. Despite facing severe calamities, they led lives of enjoyment, while the righteous endured sorrow and mourning.

Thus, it becomes clear that with the rise of the Antichrist, shameful indulgences will proliferate among the wicked as they despair of their salvation—leading to vices such as gluttony and drunkenness. Christ’s example is strikingly relevant to these circumstances; at the time the ark was being constructed, people remained disbelieving, even when warned of impending disaster. They approached their lives with a sense of tranquility and self-indulgence, as if no disaster would occur. Similarly, after the emergence of the Antichrist, there will be a culmination, which will usher in punishments and profound suffering, yet those indulging in excess will be oblivious to the looming threat of calamity. Thus, “just as labor pains come upon a woman with child,” as stated by the apostle, these terrible and unavoidable calamities will also befall them.

Why did Christ choose not to mention the destruction of Sodom? He aimed to illustrate a global catastrophe that was largely disregarded when foretold. Because many do not accept the reality of future events, He validates His message using historical occurrences, stirring their hearts in the process. He simultaneously indicates His involvement in those earlier situations.

No one contemplated the future or anticipated any peril until the flood arrived and brought destruction to all; similarly, the coming of the Son of Man will reflect that same ignorance, indulgence, disbelief, and moral decay.

The Lord elaborated on the abruptness of that day, saying that there may be two men working in the fields: one will be taken while the other is left; two women grinding grain will also find the same: one will be chosen and the other left behind. Amid such uncertainty, each individual must remain vigilant, ensuring that their hearts do not become overburdened by excess or indulgence or distracted by worldly worries. For that day will come unexpectedly, like a trap ensnaring all who inhabit the earth, as stated in Luke 21:35. Therefore, one should behave like a homeowner who, aware of a thief planning to break in at an unpredictable hour, would remain alert and not allow their home to be compromised. We, too, must remain attentive; for the Son of Man will arrive on a day when it is least expected.

Let us turn away from our wrongdoings—not merely to avoid condemnation from others, a practice even those without faith might employ—but let us also cleanse our hearts from desires and cravings, and set our minds right, striving to be pleasing to Him who examines our hearts and innermost being. We must not find solace in our sins by noting the multitude of others who fall short, nor should we assume that those who seem similar in their transgressions are not earnestly repenting within or cultivating virtues in secret. Indeed, regardless of their numbers, ‘the Lord will consume... The Lord will consume all those who do iniquity’ (Psalm 100:8)!

Let us implore Him to shield us from such a fate, and may true repentance lead us into the everlasting kingdom of heaven, where we will find joy in Him and offer our praise for eternity. Amen.

When the end comes, the judgment will be both swift and total. Just as the flood claimed all earthly creatures except for those in the ark, at the end of time, all heresy will be eradicated, leaving only one sanctuary—the Church of Christ—composed of the righteous. All outside this ark faced destruction in the flood, and similarly, anyone outside the one true Church will face perishing at the close of the age.

Furthermore, He specifies when His prophecy will be realized: "This generation shall not pass away, saith He, till all these things be fulfilled," indicating that the events would indeed commence soon, which came to pass with the destruction of Jerusalem approximately 40 years later, in the year 70 A.D. Ultimately, the Lord assures them of the certainty of His words by stating that heaven and earth could be destroyed rather than His promises go unfulfilled. After outlining the general initiation of fulfillment of His predictions, He cautions, "But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only." Moreover, He warns that the arrival of this final moment will catch people by surprise, just as the flood unexpectedly swept away those in Noah’s time, akin to how an enemy attack can suddenly seize one of two workers, leaving the other behind.

Therefore, take heed and guard against your hearts being burdened with excess, drunkenness, and the anxieties of life, so that this day does not unexpectedly come upon you. It will arrive suddenly, like a snare, upon all the inhabitants of the earth (Luke 21:34-35).

This invitation to spiritual vigilance is an enduring command for all disciples of Christ throughout time until the end of days: "I say unto you, I say unto all, watch." This command from the Lord emphasizes the need for caution; we must be wary of letting our hearts become burdened with excess and worldly distractions, for that day may creep upon us unexpectedly, like a trap that ensnares all who dwell on the earth. Therefore, we must remain watchful at all times, engaged in prayer, that we might escape all the calamities that aim to confront us and stand before the Son of Man. The Lord has disclosed what is important for us to understand to act wisely and not be swept away by the tide of reckless indulgence. Just as in the days of Noah, the coming of the Son of Man will unfold similarly: before the flood, they were eating, drinking, marrying, and living carelessly, right up until the moment Noah entered the ark, and they were unaware until the waters swept all away. Likewise, the return of the Son of Man will be sudden and decisive. At that time, there will be two in the field: one will be taken, and the other left; two women grinding at the mill: one will be taken, and one will be left. The Lord cautioned His disciples earlier about the unexpected nature of His return at the final judgment, alerting them not only to the time of the night but also to the state of their readiness. Reiterating this prophecy, He urged His faithful followers to remain persistently watchful for the day of reckoning, saying, “Watch ye, for ye know not what hour your Lord will come.” To further clarify the importance of this vigilance and the severe repercussions of neglecting the salvation of one's soul, the Lord reminded them of the teaching regarding servants awaiting their master's return, which He had previously shared.