Matthew 24:40,41 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Then shall two be in the field, &c.— Providence will then make a distinction between such as are not at all distinguished now. Some shall be rescued from the destruction of Jerusalem, like Lot out of the burning of Sodom; while others, no ways perhaps different in outward circumstances, shall be left to perish in it. See Bishop Newton's Dissertations, and Luke 17:31. Dr. Doddridge is of opinion, that the grand transition from the description of the destruction of Jerusalem to that of the dayof judgment, is made precisely after these two verses. For after them there is not a word peculiar to that destruction, but many circumstances are introduced which refer to the day of judgment, and of death as transmitting to it, and which can only be thus understood. Our Lord, in the following verses of St. Matthew and St. Mark, directs their thoughts to that final solemnity in which they are so highly concerned, by repeating, almost in the same words, the cautions and advices which he had formerly given, Luke 12:35; Luke 12:59. In which whole context there is no reference to the temporal calamities coming on the Jews, which have been the subject of almost the whole preceding discourse; and the remembrance of what had passed on the former occasion, might the more easily lead them to the distinct understandingof what was now added; though it may not be improper to recollect, that the same pious care through grace in the temper and conduct, which would be a preparative against national judgments, and obtainfor them the special protection of Providence in them, would also, through the alone merit of the great Atonement, secure them from any unwelcome surprise by a call to the tribunal of God.