Matthew 24

Matthew 24:1

ANd Jesus went out] Mark 13:1. Luke 21. 5.

departed from the temple] Purposing to come there no more, having now divers days taught there.

to shew him the buildings of the temple] Because, chap. 22. 38. he had foretold the destruction of the temple, they shew him the buildings as he went toward mount Olivet, from whence was the temples fairest prospect; partly out of pitie that such a stately fabrick should be destroyed, partly out of incredulity, as thinking it an hard matter to be done.

Matthew 24:2

There shall not be left here] Luke 19. 44.

one stone upon another] As one is said to be put upon another at the building of it, Haggai 2:15. It shall be utterly destroyed.

Matthew 24:3

upon the mount of Olives] Mark addes, over against the temple: which words shew the occasion of this discourse, Mark 13:3.

the disciples came unto him] Some of them, namely, Peter, James, John and Andrew, Mark 13:3.

privately] Because it was a dangerous question to be asked in publike, concerning the destruction of the temple, as appears, chap. 26. 61. Acts 6:14.

Tell us, &c.] Here are three distinct questions propounded: the first, concerning the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple: the second, about Christs coming, not to judgement, but in his Kingdom here, which they expected to be externall: the third, concerning the end of the world. The answer to the first, as some conceive, reacheth to vers. 23. to the second, from thence to vers. 36. to the third, from that verse to the end of the chapter. Others conceive, they thought the temple would not be destroyed till the worlds end, and then Christ would set up his Kingdom. Yet he seems to answer distinctly to two, at least, of them.

Matthew 24:4

that no man deceive you] As soon as Christ should be gone from the earth, the devil would seek to draw men from faith in Christ, and the doctrine by him delivered.

Matthew 24:5

in my Name] Not as by authority from him, as John 5:43. but as endued with the same authority that he had, and promising them temporall deliverance, which they expected from the Messias, Luke 24. 21. Such were Theudas, and Judas of Galilee, Acts 5. 36, 37. and an Egyptian false prophet, Acts 21:38.

Matthew 24:6

of wars] Slaughters committed upon the Jews under Cains, at home and abroad.

and rumours of wars] Reports, and expectation of further evils from that emperour and others.

see that ye be not troubled] Or, see and be not troubled. Consider these things, but be not affrighted with them.

the end is not yet] The calamity of the Jews that is to befall them, is not yet come to his height, nor yours at an end. Or, Hierusalem shall not be destroyed so soon as wars begin: other things must come to passe first, which are foretold before, verse 15.

Matthew 24:7

nation shall rise against nation] Not unlike that, 2 Chron. 15. 6. The Jews and other nations living together, or neer one another, should rise one against another, fall foul one upon another. This fell out under Claudius and Nero.

kingdom against kingdom] The tetrarchs and provinces shall break forth into open war one with another.

there shall be famines] Acts 11:28. Romans 15:26. 2 Corinthians 8, 9 chapters.

pestilences] Which usually follow war and famine, Revel. 6. 5, 6, 8.

Matthew 24:8

of sorrows] They shall go before the destruction of Jerusalem, as the pangs of a woman in travel before childebearing, Psalms 48:6. Isaiah 13. 8. Jer. 30. 6, 7.

Matthew 24:9

Then shall they deliver] Chap 10. 17. Luke 21. 12. John 16:2. About those times; some of you before, some after, as appears in the Acts: for Christ now passeth from common calamities, to the peculiar crosses of his. The Jews shall apprehend them, and bring them into their consistory, as Peter and John, Acts 4 and 5 chapters.

all nations] Not the Jews onely.

for my Names sake] For the bare profession of Christ. See chap. 5. 11.

Matthew 24:10

many be offended] Taking offence in regard of the present calamities betiding Gods people, shall fall from the Christian profession, Matthew 13:21. Daniel 11:13. So did Phygellus, Hermogenes, Demas, 2 Tim. 1. 15.

shall betray one another] They that fall away, will betray such as continue faithfull.

Matthew 24:11

false prophets] Acts 20 30. 2 Corinthians 11:13. 2 Tim. 2. 18.

Matthew 24:12

iniquity shall abound] Because of cruelty toward Christians, love to God and man shall grow cold, and be as fire quenched with water, not shewing it self, as formerly, in offices of piety and charity, 2 Tim. 4. 16. Hebrews 10:25. Psal. 119. 133, 134.

Matthew 24:13

But he that shall endure] Luke 21. 19.

shall be saved] Either freed from death then, or coveyed to heaven, v. 22.

Gospel of the kingdom] Joyfull tidings of the kingdom of heaven.

in all the world] Thorow all that part of the world that is known to the Jews to be inhabited. This was done before Jerusalems destruction. See Mark 13:9-11. Romans 1:8. and Romans 10:18. Colossians 1:23.

for a witnesse unto all nations] Of the obstinacy of the Jews.

then shall the end come] Then the utter ruine of them, and the destruction of Jerusalem shall come, v. 8. Ezekiel 7:2.

Matthew 24:15

When ye therefore shall see] Mark 13:14.

the abomination of desolation] From signes more remote he comes now to a neerer one. When Jerusalem shall be beset with a just army, on every side beleaguered, Luke 21:20. look for destruction, without hope of delivery, as before, when by the Caldeans. He means the Romans besieging Jerusalem, and striving to lay it waste in an abominable manner. Some understand this of a siege a little before, by Sstius Florus, because, when Titus besieged it, it was too late to flee, verse 16.

by Daniel] Daniel 9:27.

in the holy place] In the holy land, before the holy citie, Isaiah 63:18.

let him understand] Let him take notice that the temple and the city shall be destroyed, and the people scattered, according to Daniels prophecie, Daniel 9:25. 2 Timothy 2:7.

Matthew 24:16

Then let them] Being warned by these signes, let them flee to save their lives.

into the mountains] For there would be no safety in any of the cities. So Genesis 19:17.

Matthew 24:17

not come down] If he can escape by ladder or stairs any other or neerer way, let him make all the haste he can to be gone, and not stay to save ought of his goods.

Matthew 24:18

his clothes] His coat or cloke, his better apparel, such as men use not to work in in the fields.

Matthew 24:19

that are with childe] Such could not well flee, because of their burden; nor nourses from the children, Luke 23. 29.

Matthew 24:20

not in the winter] Because of storms, which may hinder them.

neither on the sabbath-day] They might come into danger, because they knew not their own liberty, thinking they might not in any case flee far on the sabbath, Acts 1:12. Neither could they well get things needfull then, because of the strict observation of the sabbath. They might also make doubt of the lawfulnesse of carrying such things then, John 5:9; John 5:12. or they might be the more suddenly surprised at the time of Gods worship, which would be both more prejudiciall, and more uncomfortable to them, Luke 13:1.

Matthew 24:21

such as was not, &c.] To that nation, Luke 21. 23. Exodus 9:24.

Matthew 24:22

those days] The days of affliction before mentioned.

no flesh be saved] The whole nation of the Jews should be utterly destroyed. Flesh is by a figure taken for man; and here, for those of that nation, as Jeremiah 12:12. and Jeremiah 45:5.

for the elects sake] That some of them may escape, and some others for their sake, Genesis 18:32.

Matthew 24:23

Then] Mark 13:21. Luke 17. 23. He proceedeth to the answer of the second question propounded, v. 3. concerning his coming, and so to things following the destruction of Jerusalem, shewing, that his kingdom must not be looked for to come with such externall and worldly preparations, Luke 17. 20. as false christs should come with.

Matthew 24:24

false christs] Such as John seems to call Antichrists 1 John 2:18. See on verse 5. Some think the pope is here intended.

false prophets] Abettours of those false christs, expounding of, and applying to them Scriptures, Revelation 16:13. and Revelation 19:20. and Revelation 20:10. Some bring in Mahome, who is called, The great prophet, by his followers.

shew] Gr. give. They shall openly lay forth great signes for men to behold.

signes] So 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10. Revelation 13:13.

elect] Not among Jews onely, but among Gentiles also.

Matthew 24:25

Behold, I have told you before] And ye need not therefore be troubled, when ye see it so fall out, John 16:14.

Matthew 24:26

he is in the desert] For those false christs, and their instruments, used to draw men out into the desert, where they might most safely, and without resistance, make head, and gather followers together.

in secret chambers] In inner rooms, and private chambers, where, wanting strength, yet these deceivers closely got followers together at first.

Matthew 24:27

as the lightning] They need not seek Christ, or his Kingdom, or his coming to Judgement, in that or that peculiar place; it should suddenly run over the whole world.

Matthew 24:28

For wheresoever] Luke 17. 37. A proverb used of things every where alike. The meaning here, as Acts 10:34. it will be found, wheresoever any be that look after it.

Matthew 24:29

Immediately after] The like evils shall befall the Romane empire, that had befallen the Jewish state before, Rev. 6. 11, 12. These things may be all spoken allegorically, as Isa. 13. 10 and 24. 23. and 60. 20. Ezekiel 32:7. Joel 2. 10, 31. and 3. 15. Job 30:28. Jeremiah 15:9.

Amos 8:9. Some understand it literally to be fulfilled a little before or at the last day; but that useth ot so to be described, but by fire, 2 Peter 3:12. Others take these things literally, for strange sights in the heaven, either before the destruction of Jerusalem, or before the day of Judgement: of which time they who understand it, conceive he saith, Immediately, that men may always provide for his coming, as Phil. 4. 5. Hebrews 10:37. 2 Peter 3:8. Or, immediately after the troubles of the Church under antichrist, which they conceive to be intended in the former verses, as 2 Thess. 2. 8. Or, after the great troubles of the Church, Rev. 20. 7, 8, 9. whereof these Jewish or Gentile troubles might be a signe.

Some think the certainty of the thing onely, and not neernesse of time here intended. See on v. 33.

shall the sun be darkened] Mark 13:24. Luke 21:25.

the powers of the heavens] The heavens themselves, though they be lesse subject to change then earthly bodies: unlesse it be meant allegorically, as before.

Matthew 24:30

the signe of the Son of man] Revelation 12:13. and Revelation 15:1. The pure and publike preaching of the Gospel of Christ, with great power and efficacie in the Church, Revelation 19:11. Or, the exceeding glory and majesty in heaven, which shall bear witnesse, that Christ, the Lord of heaven and earth, draweth neer to judge the world.

all the tribes of the earth] All families and kinreds. An allusion to the Jews, who were divided into tribes.

mourn] They shall be in such sorrow, that they shall smite on their brests, as Luke 18:13. or, on their thighs, as Jeremiah 31:19. out of horrour of heart, and confusion of face, by reason of those grievous judgements that shall come upon the world, for contempt and abuse of this Gospel. Or, for those great alterations at Christs coming to judgement.

they shall see the Son of man] Revelation 1:7. At his last coming, sitting on the clouds, as on a throne of glory, chap. 25. 31. Acts 1:9; Acts 1:11. 1 Thess. 1. 17.

with power] With all the heavenly angels attending him Thess. 4. 17. Chap. 16. 27. and 25. 31.

glory] Visible brightnesse and fulgour.

Matthew 24:31

And he shall send his angels] 1 Corinthians 15:52. 1 Thes. 4. 16.

with a great sound of a trumpet] Or, with a trumpet, and a great voice: as Exodus 20:18. Psalms 47:6. 1 Corinthians 15. 1 Thessalonians 4.

they shall gather together] As the manner was to call the people together with a trumpet, Numbers 10. Ezekiel 37:21.

from the four windes] Isaiah 43:5-6. Chap. 8. 11. Revelation 7:1. Zechariah 2:6. From the four quarters of the world.

from one end of heaven] In regard of our sight; for heaven is round, and hath no end. See Psalms 19:7. Deuteronomy 4:32. and Deuteronomy 28:64. From the east to the west, and from the north to the south.

Matthew 24:32

yet tender] Gr. already tender. He doth not speak of a tendernesse that lasted all the winter, but of one new come, in the spring, when the sap riseth, and cometh into the branches. See on Mark 13:28.

putteth forth leaves] Cant. . 13.

Matthew 24:33

when ye shall see all these things] When ye shall see these things that befall the Jews, look shortly after for those things that are to befall the rest of the world also; for the one is a forerunner and forewarner of the other, as the putting out of leaves of the fig-tree is of the summer. Or, when ye shall see those strange things mentioned, v. 29. look for Christs coming to Judgement speedily.

it is neer] The coming of the Son of man: or, he, that is, Christ, v. 30. or, trouble is coming on the Gentiles, when Jerusalem is destroyed. Some think, these words intimate onely the certainty of the thing, not the propinquity of the time: as sure to come, as if it were at the door already, Genesis 4:7. James 5:9. Philippians 4:5. Revelation 1:3.

Matthew 24:34

This generation shall not passe] Some alive shall see all fulfilled that I have spoken of the destruction of Jerusalem, and the troubles accompanying it; as chap. 23. 36.

all these things] That are shortly to come, opposed to that day, v. 36.

Matthew 24:35

Heaven and earth] Mark 13:31.

shall passe away] May sooner passe away, then any of my words prove false; as chap. 5. 18. Luke 16:17. Isaiah 54:9.

Matthew 24:36

of that day] Of the day of Judgement, and of the end of the world, 2 Peter 3:10. of which, v. 30, 31. It was a famous day, and expected of Gods people, 2 Tim. 1. 18.

hour] Time, or season, 1 Thessalonians 5:1. hour taken at large; a 1 John 2:18. Revelation 3:10. and 14. 7, 15.

knoweth no man] God hath hidden that one hour of the day of Judgement from us, that we might be ready for it at all hours. Others understand it of the time of the destruction of Jerusalem, in which also the coming of Christ was begun.

not the angels of heaven] Much lesse sinfull men on earth, who are far belowe them in knowledge.

Matthew 24:38

For as in the days] Gen. 7. Luke 17. 26.

they were eating and drinking] The word is proper to brute-beasts, and it shews, that in those days men should be given to sensuality, like brute-beasts, and live securely, taking care for nothing else. It may also import luxury and riotousnes, as v. 49.

and giving in marriage] See on chap. 22. 30.

Matthew 24:39

And knew not] Took no more notice of it, then if they had heard nothing at all of it, not believing what Noah had foretold.

took them all away] Except Noah and his family.

so shall also] So unprepared shall men be, at the day of Judgment, or at the destruction of Jerusalem, as if they had never heard of any such thing to come.

Matthew 24:40

Then shall two] Luke 17. 36.

in the field] At their harvest-work, or like employments.

the one] They shall not be saved by families, as in Noah 9 time; but one friend shall be taken by Christ into heaven, and another left for the devil to carry to hell. Or, at the destruction of Jerusalem, one may be surprised, and another escape.

shall be taken] As led by the hand, out of the common danger and destruction. An allusion to Genesis 19:16. Luke 21:36. Or, surprised by the enemy, as Jeremiah 39:5.

Matthew 24:41

Two women] Bond-women, or of the meanest condition, such as used to grinde at the mill, Exodus 11:5. Isaiah 47:2. Galatians 3:28.

Matthew 24:42

Watch therefore] Mark 13:35. Watching is enjoyned all Christians here, and ministers after, v. 45. Luke 12. 41. We must by saith expect our Saviour perpetually, and be ready to receive him, v. 44.

Matthew 24:43

But know this] Luke 12. 39. 1 Thess. 5. 2. Revelation 16:15.

in what watch] Matthew 14:25.

broken up] Gr. digged thorow, as theeves use to do, Exodus 22:2. Jeremiah 2:34. Chap. 29. 20.

Matthew 24:44

in such an hour as ye think not] Unlesse ye watch; for the master of the house dreams not of the coming of a thief when he is asleep, nor ye of Christs coming (which will b more terrible to you) when ye are secure.

Matthew 24:45

Who then is] Luke 12. 42.

ruler] Pastour or minister. See on v. 42.

houshold] Gr. service: that is, over his servants.

to give them meat] As Gods steward, 1 Corinthians 4:1.

Matthew 24:46

Blessed] In an happie condition.

Matthew 24:47

ruler over all his goods] Of a steward he shall make him overseer of his whole estate, Gen. 39. 4, 6. He shall raise him to a place of greater honour and dignity, Revelation 2:26.

Matthew 24:48

that evil servant] If the steward shall turn to evil courses.

say in his heart] Think within himself, Psalms 14:1.

My lord delayeth his coming] It will be long ere he comes: or it may be he is lost, and will not come at all, Exodus 32:1. Proverbs 7:19.

Matthew 24:49

to smite] To exercise cruelty by vertue of his authority.

his fellow-servants] For whose good and welfare he was pu into that office, which therefore he ought to have had regard unto, 1 Peter 4:10.

with the drunken] To waste his masters goods by riotousnesse, in bad company, Luke 16:1.

Matthew 24:51

cut him in sunder] Gr. cut him in two pieces. Either by renting his soul from his body, or ewing him in sunder: Or, cut him off: that is, dividing his house, he will sever him from the rest, chap. 25. 32. Deuteronomy 29:21.

his portion with the hypocrites] Job 20:29. Psalms 11:6. He shall have a greater punishment then ordinary sinners.

weeping, &c.] Chap. 8. 12. and 13. 42, 50. and 22. 13.