tion is sometimes conceived of as one, and is therefore ex- pressed by the singular alwv ; sometimes as made up of distinct periods, and is then expressed by the phiral alwves. Hence we have the expressions crwreA-cta tov ataij/os, and twi/ atwvcoj/. Matt. 24, 3. Heb. 9, 26, both signifying the completion of a given portion of duration, considered either as one or as made up of several periods. Sometimes these expressions refer to the close of the Jewish dispensation, and indicate the time of Christ's first coming ; sometimes they refer to the close of the present dispensation, and indicate the time of his second ad- vent. Matt. 13, 39, &c. See Eph. 1, 10, and Heb. 1, 1, for equivalent forms of expression. As in Heb. 9, 26, the comple- tion of the ages means the end of the Jewish dispensation, so the ends of the ages may have the same meaning here. Or what, in this case, may be more natural, the meaning is that we are living during the last of those periods which are allot- ted to the duration of the world, or of the present order of things. One series of ages terminated with the coming of Christ ; another, which is the last, is now passing.
12. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth, take heed lest he fall.
This indicates the design of the apostle in referring to the events above indicated in the history of the Israelites. There is perpetual danger of falling. No degree of progress we may have already made, no amount of privileges which we may have enjoyed, can justify the want of caution. Xet him that thinketh he standeth, that is, let him who thinks himself secure. This may refer either to security of salvation, or against the power of temptation. The two are very different, and rest generally on different grounds. False security of salvation commonly rests on the ground of our belonging to a privileged body (the church), or to a privileged class (the elect). Both are equally fallacious. Neither the members of the church nor the elect can be saved unless they persevere in holiness ; and they cannot persevere in holiness without continual watch- fulness and effort. False security as to our power to resist temptation rests on an overweening self-confidence in our own strength. None are so liable to fall as they who, thinking them- selves strong, heedlessly run into temptation. This probably is the kind of false security against which the apostle warns the Corinthians, as he exhorts them immediately after to avoid temptation.