1 corinthians 10:11 - Now all these things happened to them by way of example, and they were written for our admonition, on whom the ends of the ages have come.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "1 corinthians 10:11" mean?
This verse, 1 Corinthians 10:11, is a key statement within Paul's warning to the Corinthian church. To understand it, let's break it down:
"Now all these things happened to them...": Paul is referring to the stories and events he just recounted in the preceding verses of 1 Corinthians 10. These events are primarily drawn from the Old Testament history of the Israelites during their Exodus from Egypt. He mentions their idolatry, sexual immorality, testing God, and grumbling. These were all instances where the Israelites, despite having experienced God's power and provision, fell into sin and disobedience.
"...by way of example..." (or "as examples/types" in some translations): This is crucial. Paul isn't just telling a historical narrative. He's saying that these Old Testament events serve as types or patterns. They are not just isolated incidents, but symbolic representations of recurring human tendencies toward sin, and the consequences that follow. These events are meant to be instructive.
"...and they were written for our admonition...": The purpose of recording these historical examples isn't just for information, but for admonition or warning. The stories were written down in the Old Testament to serve as warnings to future generations, including the Corinthian Christians (and us today). The Greek word for "admonition" (nouthesia) carries the idea of correcting, cautioning, and urging someone to change their behavior.
"...on whom the ends of the ages have come.": This is perhaps the most debated part of the verse. It essentially means that the Corinthian Christians (and by extension, all believers after Christ's first coming) live in a unique time in salvation history. "The ends of the ages" refers to the time after the coming of Christ, the Messiah. With the arrival of Christ, the prophecies, promises, and purposes of God's redemptive plan are being fulfilled. This is the "last hour" or the "last days" (see 1 John 2:18).
Significance: It highlights the urgency and responsibility placed upon Christians. Because we live in this era of fulfillment, with the fullness of God's revelation in Christ and the Holy Spirit, we are held to a higher standard of accountability. We have no excuse for repeating the sins of the past.
In summary, 1 Corinthians 10:11 means:
The failures and sins of the Israelites in the Old Testament are not just historical stories. They serve as examples and warnings to us, who live in the era after Christ's coming (the "ends of the ages"). We should learn from their mistakes, take heed of the consequences of sin, and strive to live lives that are pleasing to God. We have a greater responsibility because we have received greater revelation and grace. The implications of this verse are that believers should pay close attention to the Old Testament, understanding that its narratives and laws offer relevant and vital lessons that aid in avoiding spiritual pitfalls and encouraging righteous living.
1 corinthians 10:11 - Now all these things happened to them by way of example, and they were written for our admonition, on whom the ends of the ages have come.
What does "1 corinthians 10:11" mean?
This verse, 1 Corinthians 10:11, is a key statement within Paul's warning to the Corinthian church. To understand it, let's break it down:
"Now all these things happened to them...": Paul is referring to the stories and events he just recounted in the preceding verses of 1 Corinthians 10. These events are primarily drawn from the Old Testament history of the Israelites during their Exodus from Egypt. He mentions their idolatry, sexual immorality, testing God, and grumbling. These were all instances where the Israelites, despite having experienced God's power and provision, fell into sin and disobedience.
"...by way of example..." (or "as examples/types" in some translations): This is crucial. Paul isn't just telling a historical narrative. He's saying that these Old Testament events serve as types or patterns. They are not just isolated incidents, but symbolic representations of recurring human tendencies toward sin, and the consequences that follow. These events are meant to be instructive.
"...and they were written for our admonition...": The purpose of recording these historical examples isn't just for information, but for admonition or warning. The stories were written down in the Old Testament to serve as warnings to future generations, including the Corinthian Christians (and us today). The Greek word for "admonition" (nouthesia) carries the idea of correcting, cautioning, and urging someone to change their behavior.
"...on whom the ends of the ages have come.": This is perhaps the most debated part of the verse. It essentially means that the Corinthian Christians (and by extension, all believers after Christ's first coming) live in a unique time in salvation history. "The ends of the ages" refers to the time after the coming of Christ, the Messiah. With the arrival of Christ, the prophecies, promises, and purposes of God's redemptive plan are being fulfilled. This is the "last hour" or the "last days" (see 1 John 2:18).
Significance: It highlights the urgency and responsibility placed upon Christians. Because we live in this era of fulfillment, with the fullness of God's revelation in Christ and the Holy Spirit, we are held to a higher standard of accountability. We have no excuse for repeating the sins of the past.
In summary, 1 Corinthians 10:11 means:
The failures and sins of the Israelites in the Old Testament are not just historical stories. They serve as examples and warnings to us, who live in the era after Christ's coming (the "ends of the ages"). We should learn from their mistakes, take heed of the consequences of sin, and strive to live lives that are pleasing to God. We have a greater responsibility because we have received greater revelation and grace. The implications of this verse are that believers should pay close attention to the Old Testament, understanding that its narratives and laws offer relevant and vital lessons that aid in avoiding spiritual pitfalls and encouraging righteous living.