Commentaries:
This passage provides a concrete description of the circumstances surrounding Christ's return, emphasizing that His return will be at an unexpected hour. We can tie this to His warnings about becoming caught up in the cares of the world, so that end-time events commence when we are spiritually unprepared (Matthew 25:13; Mark 13:35; Luke 12:39-40; 21:34).
Verses 40-41 describe two men working in a field and two women grinding at a mill. In each case, one is taken and the other is left. Subscribers to the theory of a secret rapture use these verses as support, though the only “secret” part of Christ's return will be the timing—the event itself will be visible to all. Rapture advocates also assume that taken here means “snatched up to heaven.” However, in the 49 New Testament usages of this Greek word (paralambano), nowhere does it contain that idea.
The only verse that even approaches that sense is John 14:3, but even it does not actually support the idea of being taken off to heaven: “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive [paralambano] you to Myself; that where I am, thereyou may be also.” Notice that He says He will come again—to earth—and receive His followers to Himself there, not in heaven. Earth is where His Kingdom will be established.
Thus, Matthew 24:40-41 speaks of a divine distinction between peoples in the future: Some will be received near to Christ and associated with Him in a familiar or intimate way. The word can even imply they assume an office.
Those under judgment, however, will be left and not allowed to accompany Christ. This “being left” may be what happens to the foolish virgins who are left outside the wedding feast (Matthew 25:10-12); to the “sons of the kingdom” who will be “cast out into outer darkness” instead of entering into the Kingdom (Matthew 8:11-12); and to others who are found to be unworthy to enter the Kingdom (see Matthew 24:48-51; 25:30; 25:31-46).
David C. Grabbe
Where the Eagles Are Gathered
These two back-to-back examples, appearing near the conclusion of the Olivet Prophecy, squarely fit into the judgment-resulting-in-division model. In them, we see an unmistakable context of judgment on God's part as well as a concomitant division into two groups, in this case, a fifty-fifty split.
Charles Whitaker
Unity and Division: The Blessing and a Curse (Part Two)
What Does 'One Taken, the Other Left' Mean (Matthew 24:40-41)?
To be properly understood, these verses—and Luke 17:34-36 as well—must be read in context. Starting in Matthew 24:21, Christ describes the Great Tribulation and the end-time events which would lead up to His return. In verses 37-38, He refers to the time of Noah. Just before the Flood, people were going about their daily business when disaster came upon them suddenly. Jesus says that in this respect the end time will be like the days of Noah (verse 39).
People will be living their usual lives, working in the fields, grinding at the mill, and so forth (verses 40 and 41) when end-time events fall upon them unexpectedly. This will be a time of such death and destruction that, unless God intervenes in world affairs, no one would survive (verse 22)! Circumstances will force people to choose to submit to God or continue their rebellion against Him. Unfortunately, Revelation 6:15-17; 16:9, 11 tells us that most will choose rebellion.
Matthew 24:40-41 can be applied in principle to another future event. At the beginning of Matthew 24, Christ's disciples specifically ask Him for a sign of His return and the end of the age (verse 3). In this light, verses 40-41 can be taken to mean that at Christ's return a separation will take place between those who attain to the first resurrection and those who do not (John 3:3-8; I Corinthians 15:50-53; Revelation 20:6).
However, a secret rapture is nowhere contemplated in either Matthew 24 or Luke 17, as some teach.
Additional Reading:
Where the Eagles Are Gathered
Do You Recognize This Man? (Part Five)
The Days of Noah
Caught Up in the Rapture
Where the Eagles Are Gathered
The Olivet Prophecy Paradox
Jerusalem's Fall and Christ's Return
