Mat 24:16-28 | TNotes

24:20 ^a Josephus records the winter swelling of the Jordan River, which made it more difficult to cross (see Josephus, War 4.7.5). Muddy roads also made travel difficult in winter.

• Normally Jews did not travel on the Sabbath in order to rest as God had commanded (see Gen 2:1-3 ^b; Exod 20:8-11 ^c; 23:12 ^d; 31:12-17 ^e; Lev 23:3 ^f; Deut 5:12-15 ^g; Jer 17:19-27 ^h).
24:21 ⁱ greater anguish: Similar language is found in Neh 9:37 ^j; Jer 11:16 ^k; Dan 12:1 ^l; Joel 2:1-17 ^m. The blatant savagery of the times has been documented by Josephus (see War 5.10.2-3).
24:22 ⁿ God’s chosen ones endure (24:13 ^o) and remain faithful (24:37–25:46 ^p; see Isa 65:8-9 ^q; Rom 11:7 ^r).
24:24 ^s false messiahs and false prophets (see 7:15 ^t; 24:4-8 ^u; also Acts 13:6 ^v; 2 Pet 2:1 ^w; 1 Jn 2:18 ^x; 4:1 ^y): Revelation describes a particular false prophet (see Rev 16:13 ^z).

• signs and wonders: Not all miracles are proof of God’s approval (see Deut 13:1-4 ^aa; Rev 13:13 ^ab).
Summary for Matt 24:26-28: 24:26-28 ^ac These verses are an expansion of 24:23 ^ad. The place and manner of the Messiah’s appearing was disputed among Jews. The Messiah’s glorious appearance and vindication will be unmistakable. 24:26 ^ae Some Jewish prophets persuaded the masses to follow them into the desert to see signs of deliverance (cp. 24:4-8 ^af).

• hiding here: This is perhaps a reference to secretive sects, such as those at Qumran, or to the small fellowship groups associated with the Pharisees.
Summary for Matt 24:27-28: 24:27-28 ^ag Lightning may be an allusion to the astrological phenomena attending the Messiah’s coming (see 24:29-31 ^ah; 1 Thes 4:13-18 ^ai). It is not the suddenness of lightning that is in view but rather the magnitude of its visibility. Very possibly, Jesus gave these sayings to ward off premature excitement regarding the end (1 Thes 4:13–5:10 ^aj; 2 Thes 2:1-12 ^ak).