Read & Study the Bible Online - Bible Portal
Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 24:38

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 24:39

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 24:40

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 24:40

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 24:40-41

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 24:41

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 24:42

Watch therefore. The end will be sudden, the final separation will be then completed; be ye therefore always prepared. Few exhortations are more frequently and impressively given than this of the duty and necessity of watchfulness. Of course, the Christian has to watch against many things—his own evil heart, temptation, the world, but most of all he must watch and be always looking for the coming of his Lord; for whether he be regarded as Redeemer, Deliverer, or Judge, he will come as a... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 24:42-51

Practical exhortation drawn from the uncertainty of the last day : Watch . read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Matthew 24:37

Noe - The Greek way of writing “Noah.” See Gen. 6–9. The coming of the Son of man would be as it was in the days of Noah:In its being sudden and unexpected, the “precise time” not being made known, though the “general” indications had been given. The world would be found as it was then. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Matthew 24:38

For as in the days ... - The things mentioned here denote attention to the affairs of this life rather than to what was coming on them. It does not mean that these things were wrong, but only that such was their actual employment, and that they were regardless of what was coming upon them. read more

Group of Brands