They
ministered these things, which now have been announced to you through those who preached the Good News to you by the Holy Spirit sent out from heaven; which things angels desire to look into.
1 Peter 1:12
1 Peter 1 [6.] Wherein you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been put to grief in various trials, that the proof of your faith, which is more precious than gold that perishes even though it is tested by fire, may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ— whom not having known you love; in whom, though now you don’t see him, yet believing, you rejoice greatly with joy unspeakable and full of glory— receiving the result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
1 Peter 1 [10.] Concerning this salvation, the prophets sought and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you, searching for who or what kind of time the Spirit of Christ, which was in them, pointed to, when he predicted the sufferings of Christ, and the glories that would follow them. To them it was revealed, that not to themselves, but to you, they ministered these things, which now have been announced to you through those who preached the Good News to you by the Holy Spirit sent out from heaven; which things angels desire to look into.
1 Peter 1 [13.] Therefore prepare your minds for action, be sober, and set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ— as children of obedience, not conforming yourselves according to your former lusts as in your ignorance, but just as he who called you is holy, you yourselves also be holy in all of your behavior; because it is written, “You shall be holy; for I am holy.”
Meaning:
In these verses, Peter reflects on the Old Testament prophets' anticipation of the salvation that would come through Jesus Christ. He acknowledges the diligent search and inquiry undertaken by the prophets as they sought to understand the significance of their own prophecies.
The prophets, inspired by the Spirit of Christ, proclaimed messages of grace and redemption that pointed forward to the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. They spoke of a future salvation that would be accomplished through the sacrificial death and victorious resurrection of the Messiah (Isaiah 53; Psalm 22).
Peter highlights the fact that the prophets did not fully comprehend the implications of their own prophecies. They knew that their words pointed to something greater, but they did not fully grasp the timing or the exact nature of the events they foretold (Daniel 12:8-9).
Moreover, Peter emphasizes that the message of salvation proclaimed by the prophets was not primarily for their own benefit but for the benefit of future generations, including the readers of Peter's letter. The prophets served as mouthpieces for God, delivering His message to His people throughout history (2 Peter 1:21).
Peter then draws a connection between the ministry of the prophets and the proclamation of the Gospel by the apostles and other New Testament witnesses. He asserts that the fulfillment of the prophetic promises has now been revealed through those who preached the Good News, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Finally, Peter concludes by highlighting the profound significance of the Gospel message, which even the angels long to understand. The Gospel reveals the mystery of God's plan of salvation, which was hidden for ages but has now been revealed in Christ (Ephesians 3:4-6).
In the broader context of Peter's letter, these verses serve to encourage and strengthen believers in their faith. Peter reminds his readers of the richness of their salvation and the great privilege they have in participating in God's redemptive plan. He calls them to live holy and obedient lives in light of the hope they have in Christ (1 Peter 1:13-16).
As we reflect on 1 Peter 1:10-12, we are reminded of the continuity between the Old Testament prophets and the New Testament apostles in proclaiming the message of salvation. We are encouraged to treasure the Gospel message and to live in light of its transformative power in our lives.
In conclusion, 1 Peter 1:10-12 underscores the profound mystery of salvation and the role of prophets in revealing God's redemptive plan. It invites us to marvel at the richness of our salvation and to live in faithful obedience to the Gospel message proclaimed by the apostles and empowered by the Holy Spirit.
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible