Charles Ellicott Commentary Matthew 24:27

"For as the lightning cometh forth from the east, and is seen even unto the west; so shall be the coming of the Son of man." — Matthew 24:27 (ASV)

As the lightning comes out of the east — In this and the three preceding verses, we find ourselves on the dim borderland between the primary and ultimate fulfillments of these words. The disciples, in their questions (Matthew 24:3), connected the destruction of Jerusalem with the “coming” of their Lord, and the two events are linked even in His own words and thoughts.

In whatever way He came—whether in the final destruction of the Temple and national life of Israel, or at the end of the world’s great drama—the advent would be as sudden and unexpected as a flash of lightning.

The crises of world history, which are the emerging and developing fulfillments of such words, are always unexpected by the great mass of humanity. However, the few whose eyes are opened can discern the signs of the times and know that their redemption draws near.