Word Pictures in the New Testament - David Cox

Word Pictures in the NT [Matthew: Chapter 24].
the words "but the Father only" (\ei m• ho pat•r monos\). It is
equally clear that in this verse Jesus has in mind the time of
his second coming. He had plainly stated in verse 34 that those
events (destruction of Jerusalem) would take place in that
generation. He now as pointedly states that no one but the Father
knows the day or the hour when these things (the second coming
and the end of the world) will come to pass. One may, of course,
accuse Jesus of hopeless confusion or extend his confession of
ignorance of the date of the second coming to the whole chain of
events. So McNeile: "It is impossible to escape the conclusion
that Jesus as Man, expected the End, within the lifetime of his
contemporaries." And that after his explicit denial that he knew
anything of the kind! It is just as easy to attribute ignorance
to modern scholars with their various theories as to Jesus who
admits his ignorance of the date, but not of the character of the
coming.
24:37 {The days of Noah} (\hai h•merai tou N•e\). Jesus had used
this same imagery before to the Pharisees (Lu 17:26-30). In
Noah's day there was plenty of warning, but utter unpreparedness.
Most people are either indifferent about the second coming or
have fanciful schemes or programs about it. Few are really eager
and expectant and leave to God the time and the plans.
24:38 {Were eating} (\•san tr•gontes\). Periphrastic imperfect.
The verb means to chew raw vegetables or fruits like nuts or
almonds.
24:41 {At the mill} (\en t•i mul•i\). So Westcott and Hort and
not \mul•ni\ (millhouse) Textus Receptus. The millstone and then
hand-mill which was turned by two women (\al•thousai\) as in Ex
11:5. This verb is a late form for \ale•\. There was a handle
near the edge of the upper stone.
24:42 {Watch therefore} (\gr•g•reite oun\). A late present
imperative from the second perfect \egr•gora\ from \egeir•\. Keep
awake, be on the watch "therefore" because of the uncertainty of
the time of the second coming. Jesus gives a half dozen parables
to enforce the point of this exhortation (the Porter, the Master
of the House, the Faithful Servant and the Evil Servants, the Ten
Virgins, the Talents, the Sheep and the Goats). Matthew does not
give the Parable of the Porter (Mr 13:35-37).
24:43 {In what watch} (\poi•i phulak•i\). As in 14:25 (four
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