Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted. And do not become idolaters as were some of them. As it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.” Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell; nor let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents; nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer. Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. Therefore, let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. (1 Co 10:6–13).
In our previous devotional, we delved into how Paul used Old Testament events like idolatry, sexual immorality, testing God, and grumbling to emphasize the significance of drawing lessons from history—a message of faithfulness and dependence on God's grace. Now, let's dive into the intriguing concept in this passage, which refers to the end of an era.
Upon whom the ends of the ages have come.
Believers at that time anticipated that Jesus would come back soon to establish His kingdom within their lifetime. The phrase "upon whom the ends of the ages have come" in our passage this morning, indeed raises intriguing questions about the New Testament writers' understanding of the timing of Christ's return and the end of the age. It suggests a sense of imminence and contemporaneity in their eschatological expectations.
"But this I say, brethren, the time is short, so that from now on even those who have wives should be as though they had none, those who weep as though they did not weep, those who rejoice as though they did not rejoice, those who buy as though they did not possess, and those who use this world as not misusing it. For the form of this world is passing away." 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 (NKJV):
"For this, we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord." 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17 (NKJV)
"Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand." Philippians 4:5 (NKJV)
"Therefore, be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door!" James 5:7-9 (NKJV)
"But the end of all things is at hand; therefore, be serious and watchful in your prayers." 1 Peter 4:7 (NKJV)
"He who testifies to these things says, 'Surely I am coming quickly.' Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!" Revelation 22:20 (NKJV)
The logical conclusion that the first readers of these passages would come to is the imminent return of Jesus Christ! They would have interpreted these texts as if they were warning to them because they were! Every 1st-century Christ follower would have seen these verses as a call to be spiritually prepared, to prioritize their faith over worldly matters, and to eagerly anticipate the Second Coming of Christ, (which they believed could happen in their lifetimes.) These passages conveyed a sense of urgency and readiness for the imminent arrival of the Lord.
Interpretations of "End of the Age":
So, what is the intended meaning of Paul's phrase? There have been various interpretations proposed to understand what Paul meant by "the ends of the ages" for the readers of his time. It's crucial to remember that this passage was addressed to first-century believers, not to us today.
One perspective is that Paul was highlighting spiritual fulfillment rather than physical one. In Christ's coming, believers entered a new spiritual age marked by the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the establishment of the Church.
Another perspective suggests It could also signify an eschatological transition point, where the first-century believers were living at a pivotal moment in God's redemptive plan, with the age of the Old Covenant giving way to the age of the New Covenant.
Yet, other scholars suggest, and we agree, that Paul was referring to the end of the Jewish age or era. The destruction of the Jerusalem Temple in 70 AD and the dispersion of the Jewish people were significant events that marked the end of a particular era in Jewish history.
Again, the interpretation that Paul was referring to the end of the Jewish age or era when he mentioned "the ends of the ages" in this passage makes sense to us from both biblical and historical contexts and here is why:
Biblical Context:
In the teachings of Jesus, there are several prophecies and warnings about the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple and the events surrounding it. For example, in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21, Jesus predicts the destruction of the Temple and the tribulations that would come upon Jerusalem. We would argue that these prophecies are referring to the events leading up to and including the Roman siege of Jerusalem in 70 AD.
The Olivet Discourse found in Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21 includes specific details about the destruction of the Temple and the signs that would precede it. This discourse is a crucial part of understanding the context in which Paul and the early Christians lived. It underscores the significance of the impending judgment upon Jerusalem and the Temple. And we must not forget the words of Jesus:
Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened." (Matthew 24:34, NIV)
In this verse, Jesus is speaking about the signs of the end times and the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. Here, Jesus was referring to the events that would culminate in the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 AD, which did indeed occur within the lifetime of some of the early disciples.
We acknowledge that our interpretation may not be universally accepted among our Christian brethren. Some argue that in Matthew 24:34, the term "this generation" refers to a different generation. However, we maintain that when we consider the straightforward meaning of the term in passages like Matthew 11:16-19, Matthew 12:38-42, and Matthew 12:43-45, where it clearly pertains to the people Jesus was addressing, it seems illogical to suggest that in Matthew 24:34, "this generation" could mean anything other than the disciples to whom Jesus was directly speaking. Furthermore, it is worth noting that all the events and prophecies Jesus spoke of in Matthew 24 did indeed come to pass within the historical context of His disciples.
Also, Paul, in his letters, frequently addresses the tension between Jewish traditions and the message of Christ. He emphasizes the transition from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant in Christ. The destruction of the Temple, which served as the central institution of the Old Covenant, was a significant marker of the end of the Jewish age and the transition to the age of the New Covenant. Now let us consider the historical context.
Historical Context:
For those interested in the New Testament, we recommend reading the works of Josephus. His writings provide valuable historical context and insights into the time and events surrounding the New Testament and reading it would enhance one's understanding of that period.
The Jewish-Roman War (66-73 AD) and the subsequent siege and destruction of Jerusalem were not only historical events but also had profound theological and eschatological implications. For many Jews, it was seen as a judgment from God. The early Christian community, with its message of a new covenant centered on Christ, interpreted these events in light of Jesus' prophecies and as a confirmation of the shift from the old to the new.
In 70 AD, the Roman Empire, under the leadership of Titus, laid siege to Jerusalem, destroying the Second Temple. This event was a catastrophic and defining moment in Jewish history. It marked the end of the sacrificial system, the priestly service, and the central religious institution of Judaism. The dispersion of the Jewish people (Diaspora) followed, further emphasizing the radical transformation of Jewish life and worship.
Early Christian writers, such as the author of the Epistle to the Hebrews, interpreted the destruction of the Temple as a sign of the superiority of Christ's priesthood and sacrifice over the Levitical system. The early Christians viewed the events of 70 AD as aligning with Jesus' predictions and as evidence of God's hand in history.
Theological Implications:
Paul's use of this phrase underscores the urgency and significance of the Christian message for his contemporaries. It encouraged them to live faithfully and expectantly, knowing that they were living in a time when God's redemptive purposes were actively unfolding.
Contemporary Relevance:
While the New Testament writers did anticipate Christ's return in their lifetimes the Church has come to realize that the exact timing of His return remains a divine mystery known only to God and the call for Christ's followers to remain steadfast in their faith.
Some have argued, that if Paul was writing to the first-century church, why should we read it today? Many have reasoned, “It is an ancient text that has no relevance to my contemporary life.” This is a valid and frequently debated topic in discussions of faith and scripture. To shed light on this matter, here are some key considerations to consider.
While the New Testament letters were indeed written to specific first-century Christian communities, they contain principles, teachings, and moral guidelines that are considered universal and applicable to all Christians, regardless of the period. The overarching message of love, forgiveness, redemption, and salvation through Christ remains relevant to Christians today.
In this passage, the message is clear: believers today must not their hearts be tainted by the same sins that befell our predecessors. Instead, let us heed the call to stand firm, for no temptation has overtaken us that is not common to humanity. In the labyrinth of trials and tribulations, God's faithfulness shines as a guiding star. He will not allow us to be tempted beyond our strength, and with every test, He provides a way of escape.
So, in this modern age, as we navigate the complexities of life, let us look to the pages of history for wisdom. Let us remember that the past is not a distant land but a mirror reflecting the timeless struggles of the human heart. And in this reflection, may we find the strength to stand, the humility to seek divine guidance, and the faith to believe that, even in our weakest moments, a path of escape is always illuminated by the enduring light of God's grace.
Comments