Charles Ellicott Commentary 1 Corinthians 10:11

"Now these things happened unto them by way of example; and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages are come." — 1 Corinthians 10:11 (ASV)

Happened unto them for ensamples.—Better, happened to them typically; and it was written for our admonition. The verb “happened” is plural, referring to the multiplied occurrences which the Apostle has just mentioned; but “written” is singular, referring to the sacred record in which the historical facts are handed down.

The Apostle does not state that the purpose which God had in view in allowing these sins and judgments was that they might serve “for ensamples” for later generations, as may at first sight seem to be the meaning of the English; but the real point of the passage is—these things which occurred to them are to be regarded by us not merely as interesting historical events, but as having a typical significance.

Their record remains as a standing warning that great privileges may be enjoyed by many, and used by them to their destruction. The temporal blessings of the Jewish nation foreshadow the greater spiritual blessings of the Christian Church.

The ends of the world.—Better, the ends of the ages (Matthew 13:39).