Understanding Matthew 24:20

Matthew 24:20 (NASB)
“Moreover, pray that when you flee, it will not be in the winter, or on a Sabbath.

Some claim that verse cannot address the church, because they do not observe the travel restrictions imposed by the Law on Saturday, the Sabbath. Thus this verse indicates a pre-trib rapture.

However, Jesus was speaking to His audience at that time, people who were restricted in travel in bad weather and by rules governing observance of the Sabbath.

So if we seek the timeless principle being taught, we should pray we will not be hindered in our escape from the consequences of the tribulation.

To confirm this verse is addressing the church, all we need to do is look down to Matthew 24:22 which indicates subsequently, the tribulation days in view will be cut short, which seems to indicate a rapture sometime during the tribulation.

 

It takes study to discern the best understanding of ambiguous words and phrases,

George Eldon Ladd has studied the way, in the Gospel of John, the Greek word translated "world" is used. He concluded sometimes the world refers to the earth, as opposed to humanity, especially fallen humanity. I doubt it.

1) In John 17:5, Jesus was glorified before "the world" existed. This could refer to before humanity was created, or before humanity was subjected to futility.

2) In John 17:34, Jesus was given glory before "the foundation of the world" which may mean before the subjugation of humanity.

3) In John 11:9, Jesus say people do not stumble if they see the Light of this world, proclaiming He will not be endangered by mistake. Jesus is the Light of this world.

4) In John 16:21 a women child has been "born into the world" probably means into humanity rather than into our planet's surface. This phrase is also found at John 6:24, John 9:39, John 11:27 and John 18:37

5) In John 21:25, books that would be written could not be contained within "the world itself" could also be translated within humanity itself or humanity's dwelling place.

6) Similarly to into humanity, John uses the word "Kosmos" to refer to being "in" or among humanity (John 9:5) and departing humanity or humanity's dwelling place, John 16:28,

7) But GEL is spot on with his conclusion that John uses "kosmos" to refer to humanity in general, thus all or part of humanity, as in John 12:19. This same "all or part" usage is found in John 3:16 (all) and John 3:17 (part). Christ is humanity's only savior but will only save part of humanity. John 1:29, John 4:42 and John 6:33.

8) GEL is also quite correct in noting sometimes humanity in general is in view, with "kosmos" referring to coming into humanity or departing humanity's dwelling place, and sometime fallen humanity is in view, as the light of humanity as they are in darkness.