Charles Ellicott Commentary Matthew 24:20

"And pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on a sabbath:" — Matthew 24:20 (ASV)

Pray ye that your flight...—Rules were given for flight when the conditions were within their own power. Other circumstances that were outside their control could lawfully be the subjects of their prayers. It is characteristic of St. Matthew, writing for Jews, that he alone records the words nor on the Sabbath day. Since the Christians of Judea lived in strict observance of the Law, they would either be hindered by their own scruples from traveling beyond a Sabbath day’s journey (about one mile), which was insufficient to place them out of danger, or they would find obstacles—such as shut gates—due to the Sabbath observance of others.