September 12, 2022 – Monday
1 Peter 1:10-12 NIV
10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care,
11 trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that would follow.
12 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.
Comment
The three verses above are the concluding verses of the passage from verses three through twelve as a song of praise. Edmond Hiebert (1928-1995) was a professor emeritus of New Testament at Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary in Fresno, Calif. He wrote widely on the New Testament, including 1 Peter among others. About this passage he wrote, This beautiful passage is the outpouring of an adoring heart. Only one who has devoutly contemplated the greatness of our salvation could utter such a magnificent paean of praise, one that prepares and encourages the suffering soul to steadfastly continue the spiritual battle. Thus, I recommend using the above link and read the ten verses for your own pleasure and edification.
Peter is writing this letter to Christians, Gentile Christians specifically in Asia Minor – modern day Turkey – as they were facing persecution of all sorts leading to much suffering. He encourages them to stick to their faith as it will see them through all their suffering and grief in all sorts of trials. Plus, the trials prove how genuine their faith is, as they look forward to the return of Jesus. They love Jesus and their faith in their salvation fills them with great joy.
This salvation that they rejoice in is addressed in verse ten and continues into verse eleven, 10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, 11 trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that would follow. This was not something Peter came up with, it was a salvation the prophets knew of and wanted to know more about it, especially the time and circumstances. Much as a great many people have sought to know the time and circumstances of the ‘end times’ of which Jesus said, Only the Father knows. We know they knew the Messiah would suffer, but they also knew He would bring grace, unmerited – undeserved – unearned favor from the Messiah of the Future. His grace would bring salvation, something they could treasure unto death as it would lead to eternity in Heaven.
Then we conclude with verse twelve, 12 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things. Though the prophets had predicted so much of the Messiah centuries ago, these predictions were now reported as fact, now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven.
What is even more amazing is that Even angels long to look into these things. How did the believers in Peter’s day live as believing Christians? The angels wanted to know, just as they want to know even today.
Bottom Line: Our salvation is an incredible and wonderful fact of grace from God. Sometimes we forget that and treat our salvation in a matter-of-fact manner, forgetting how wonderful and joyous it is. Wonder what the angels make of that?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Please help me to always be aware of the wondrous miracle of my salvation through Your Son’s sacrifice on the cross. – In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
RileyD, nwJ
Riley D. Driver – Pastor
Calvary Chapel of Dayton
in Beavercreek