Matthew 24:39Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

5:3), further elaborating this notion by likening it to the suddenness of birth pains striking a pregnant woman.

This leads us to question how Christ can say, “after the tribulation of those days” (Matt. 24:29). If there are indeed comforts, “peace and safety,” as Paul notes, how can Christ also refer to “after the tribulation of those days”? When there is joy, how can there be tribulation? Here, we are referring to the pleasures and illusions of peace that can only be entertained by those who are spiritually unaware. It is important to note that the apostle does not say, “When there shall be peace,” but rather, “when they shall say, Peace and safety,” highlighting their insensitivity akin to those in Noah's time, who continued in their enjoyment despite impending disaster, while the righteous mourned in sorrow.

Consequently, it is clear that with the advent of the Antichrist, shameful indulgences will proliferate among the wicked, alongside those who have lost hope in their salvation, leading to excess and debauchery. Christ’s example is aptly applicable to the current situation. Similarly, in Noah's days, when the ark was being prepared, the populace remained in disbelief and nonchalance, indulging themselves in pleasure despite being warned of imminent peril. The arrival of the Antichrist will precede a culmination of events, after which divine judgment will bring forth unparalleled suffering, while those lost in indulgence will remain oblivious to the disasters looming ahead. Just as “the agony of childbirth befalls her that is in the womb,” as stated by the Apostle, so too will these dreadful and unavoidable calamities come upon them.

Why did Christ refrain from referencing the ruin that overcame the people of Sodom? He aimed to illustrate a global catastrophe, one similarly ignored in its foretelling. Many failed to accept the warnings of what was to come, prompting Christ to remind them of past occurrences to instill fear and reflection in their hearts. He simultaneously indicates that His actions in past events hold relevance to the current circumstances.

Just as in those days, the coming of the Son of Man will catch many unaware, with the same indifference, indulgence, and immorality prevailing. The Lord further explained the abruptness of that day, noting that two individuals might be in a field: one would be taken, while the other would be left; similarly, two women would be at the mill, one taken and the other remaining. In light of such unpredictability, each person must remain vigilant, ensuring that their hearts are not burdened by excess or the cares of this life. For that day will arrive unexpectedly, like a snare that will entangle all who dwell on the earth. Thus, everyone should act as a homeowner would if he knew that a thief would arrive at an unpredictable hour—he would remain awake, guarding against intrusion. All the more, we must stay alert, as the Son of Man will come on a day when people least expect it.

The Apostle Paul echoes this, stating that while they proclaim ‘Peace and safety,’ sudden destruction will seize them (1 Thess. 5:3). To clarify this unexpectedness, he likens it to the pains of childbirth.

How then can Christ say, "After the tribulation of those days"? If there are pleasures, peace, and security at that time, as Paul suggests, why does the Lord reference tribulation? In times of joy, where is the tribulation? Only those devoid of awareness will experience pleasure and peace. Thus, Paul did not say simply, "When there is peace," but rather, "When they say, ‘Peace and safety,’" to highlight their lack of understanding. Even in Noah's time, the wicked were engrossed in their pleasures while the righteous lived in heartache and sorrow. Therefore, it is clear that when the Antichrist appears, unrestrained indulgence will abound among the wicked and the hopeless: gluttony and debauchery will prevail. Just as people disregarded the warnings while the ark was being constructed, oblivious to the impending disaster, so too will they remain unmoved by the future appearance of the Antichrist and the end of the world that will follow, leading to punishment and profound suffering. Those steeped in vice will remain untroubled by these impending calamities. Consequently, as a woman in labor suffers, so too will these foes face unavoidable and dire tribulations. Thus, Christ provides a new sign of His coming, indicating that from the collection of these signs, it is clear He knew of that day. What then is this sign?

Ultimately, the Lord emphasizes the certainty of His foretelling, asserting that heaven and earth could be destroyed rather than His words remain unfulfilled. After outlining the general onset of the fulfillment of His prophecies, the Lord also states: “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.” He warns that mankind will be surprised by that final day, just as Noah’s contemporaries were caught off guard by the flood, and as an unexpected assault catches one of two workers while leaving the other unscathed.

This encapsulates the Lord's imperative. Be mindful, lest your hearts become burdened with excess and worldly distractions, so that the day might unexpectedly envelop you, like a trap that ensnares all who dwell upon the earth: remain watchful, praying at all moments, so that you may be equipped to escape all these trials and stand before the Son of Man. The Lord disclosed essential truths to guide them in prudence, alerting them not to be swept away by rampant indulgence. Just as in the days of Noah, so will the coming of the Son of Man be: before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and pursuing their desires, up until the day Noah entered the ark, and they remained unaware until the floods came and carried everything away: this will be how the coming of the Son of Man will unfold. In that time, there will be two in the field: one will be taken, and the other will be left; two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken, and one will be left. The Lord had earlier cautioned His disciples about the suddenness of His arrival for judgment, indicating not only the night but also the coming events (Luke 17:26-30, 35-36). In reiterating this prophecy, He urged His faithful followers to remain perpetually alert in anticipation of the day of reckoning: 'Watch, for you do not know at what hour your Lord will come.' To illustrate further the necessity of remaining vigilant for His return and the dire repercussions of negligence in the crucial endeavor of soul's salvation, the Lord recalled the teaching regarding the servants awaiting the arrival of their master, which He had previously articulated (Luke 12:39, 40, 42-46).