For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day.
For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day. Jesus provides the reason His return won't require announcement: it will be self-evident. As the lightning (ὥσπερ ἡ ἀστραπὴ, hōsper hē astrapē) introduces the simile. Lightning that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven (ἀστράπτουσα ἐκ τῆς ὑπὸ τὸν οὐρανὸν εἰς τὴν ὑπ' οὐρανὸν λάμπει, astraptousa ek tēs hypo ton ouranon eis tēn hyp' ouranon lampei) describes lightning's visible reach—from horizon to horizon in an instant.
Lightning possesses three qualities relevant to Christ's return:
Sudden—no advance warning, it strikes unexpectedly
Visible—everyone sees it simultaneously, regardless of location
Unmistakable—no one debates whether lightning occurred. So shall also the Son of man be in his day (οὕτως ἔσται ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ αὐτοῦ, houtōs estai ho huios tou anthrōpou en tē hēmera autou)—Christ's return will share these characteristics.
No secret rapture, no gradual manifestation, no ambiguity. Revelation 1:7 confirms: 'Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him.'
The phrase in his day (ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ αὐτοῦ, en tē hēmera autou) designates the appointed time of revelation and judgment. Just as 'the day of the Lord' in Old Testament prophecy described God's intervention in history (Joel 2:1-11, Amos 5:18-20), 'the day of the Son of man' marks Christ's return in glory. This day brings vindication for the righteous and judgment for the wicked—separation, not secret removal.
Historical Context
Lightning was universally recognized as dramatic divine manifestation. In Old Testament theophanies, lightning accompanied God's presence (Exodus 19:16, Psalm 97:4, Ezekiel 1:13-14). Jesus appropriates this imagery for His parousia (Matthew 24:27). The comparison assured first-century disciples—confused by delay and false messiahs—that they wouldn't miss Christ's return. No insider knowledge needed; the event would be cosmically obvious.
Early church fathers understood this literally. They rejected secret rapture theories and taught visible, glorious return: Irenaeus, Tertullian, Chrysostom all affirmed bodily, public parousia. Modern dispensational theology's secret rapture doctrine (popularized in 19th-20th centuries) contradicts Jesus' lightning metaphor. The return will be sudden and visible to all, separating believers from unbelievers in global judgment (Matthew 24:40-41), not secret removal before tribulation. Jesus' warning stands: when He returns, everyone will know simultaneously—like lightning illuminating the entire sky.
Questions for Reflection
How does the lightning metaphor challenge secret rapture theology and reinforce the public, visible nature of Christ's return?
What comfort does the promise of Christ's unmistakable return provide amid confusion and competing end-times scenarios?
How should the certainty of sudden, visible return affect daily Christian living and readiness?
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Analysis & Commentary
For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day. Jesus provides the reason His return won't require announcement: it will be self-evident. As the lightning (ὥσπερ ἡ ἀστραπὴ, hōsper hē astrapē) introduces the simile. Lightning that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven (ἀστράπτουσα ἐκ τῆς ὑπὸ τὸν οὐρανὸν εἰς τὴν ὑπ' οὐρανὸν λάμπει, astraptousa ek tēs hypo ton ouranon eis tēn hyp' ouranon lampei) describes lightning's visible reach—from horizon to horizon in an instant.
Lightning possesses three qualities relevant to Christ's return:
No secret rapture, no gradual manifestation, no ambiguity. Revelation 1:7 confirms: 'Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him.'
The phrase in his day (ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ αὐτοῦ, en tē hēmera autou) designates the appointed time of revelation and judgment. Just as 'the day of the Lord' in Old Testament prophecy described God's intervention in history (Joel 2:1-11, Amos 5:18-20), 'the day of the Son of man' marks Christ's return in glory. This day brings vindication for the righteous and judgment for the wicked—separation, not secret removal.