10 Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: 11 Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. 12 Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into. (1 Peter 1:10-12 KJV)
We are Beneficiaries
The apostle, having described the people to whom he wrote and the excellent advantages they enjoyed, now shows the authority behind his message. Because his readers were Jews who deeply respected the Old Testament, he cites the prophets to prove that salvation through faith in Jesus Christ was not a new doctrine but one the prophets had diligently investigated.
The prophets, inspired by God to reveal truths beyond their natural understanding—particularly regarding future events—earnestly searched into the salvation and grace that would come through Christ (1 Peter 1:10). They foresaw glorious times of light, grace, and comfort for the church, which made them long to witness the days of the gospel.
They searched and inquired diligently, like miners breaking through rock to find treasure. Although divinely inspired, they still used ordinary means—study, meditation, and prayer—to understand what had been revealed to them. Daniel, though beloved and inspired, still studied books to learn about the time of certain events (Daniel 9:2). Many prophecies had dual meanings, speaking to both near-term events and ultimately pointing to Christ’s sufferings and glory.
The doctrine of salvation through Jesus Christ has been the study of the wisest and best people, who were deeply moved by the mercy God planned to show both Jews and Gentiles. Anyone who wants to understand this great salvation must also search diligently into it. If inspired prophets needed to, we certainly must. The grace that comes through the gospel surpasses anything before it—being clearer, more powerful, and more accessible.
What the prophets mainly sought to understand, as explained in 1 Peter 1:11, was Christ himself: his sufferings and the glory that would follow. Their inquiry gave them a glimpse of the entire gospel—that Jesus was delivered for our sins and raised for our justification. They also sought to know the timing and nature of the Messiah’s arrival: whether it would come in peaceful or troubled times.
Jesus Christ existed before his incarnation, for his Spirit was active in the prophets. The Spirit of Christ was distinct from Christ himself, revealing a plurality of persons. This, along with other Old Testament references, points to the doctrine of the Trinity. The Holy Spirit, who revealed Christ’s sufferings and their circumstances centuries in advance, and who enabled miracles and faith, must be God—possessing omnipotence and omniscience.
Following Christ’s example, we should expect a time of service and suffering before glory. The trials are short, but the glory is eternal. As with him, our suffering will ultimately produce something far more valuable—“an eternal weight of glory” (2 Corinthians 4:17).
The prophets’ efforts were rewarded with a revelation: the events they longed to see would not occur in their time, but in the apostles’. “Not to themselves, but to us” (1 Peter 1:12). These truths, now proclaimed by the apostles under the Holy Spirit’s guidance, are of such importance that even the angels long to look into them.
Three groups eagerly study the mystery of salvation through Christ:
- The prophets, who diligently searched it out.
- The apostles, who witnessed its fulfillment and preached it.
- The angels, who attentively observe it.
A sincere effort to understand Christ and our duty will be rewarded. Daniel studied and was informed; the Bereans searched Scripture and were confirmed in truth (Acts 17:11).
Even the holiest people may have worthy requests denied. The prophets weren’t told when Christ would appear, just as good parents may pray for rebellious children without seeing change, or the poor may ask for relief and remain in poverty. God answers our needs more than our specific requests.
Christians are called to be useful to others more than to themselves. “The prophets ministered to us, not to themselves” (1 Peter 1:12). A Christian life is not self-centered (Romans 14:7); living for oneself contradicts both nature and Christian teaching.
God’s revelations to his church, though progressive, are consistent. The teachings of prophets and apostles agree, since they come from the same Spirit. The power of the gospel ministry depends entirely on the Holy Spirit. Its success comes not from human skill but divine blessing.
Finally, the gospel’s mysteries are so magnificent that even angels long to understand them. They look into the story of redemption with focused awe, like the cherubim who gazed continually toward the mercy seat (1 Peter 1:12).