Salvation Foretold by the Prophets
📖 Passage
1 Peter 1:10–12
Read 1 Peter 1:10–12 (NKJV)
🧠 Context & Background
Having celebrated the living hope and future inheritance, Peter now turns to the continuity of God’s plan. The salvation revealed in Christ was not a last-minute idea but was foretold by the prophets of old. They spoke of grace that would come, yet they themselves did not experience the fulfillment. Their ministry pointed beyond themselves to the Messiah’s suffering and glory, realities that believers now enjoy. Peter shows that salvation is part of God’s unfolding drama across the ages, revealed in the gospel by the Spirit, and even angels marvel at its depth.
🌿 Key Themes
- Prophetic Anticipation — The prophets searched diligently to understand God’s promises.
- Christ’s Suffering and Glory — The Spirit revealed both the cross and the crown.
- Spirit’s Inspiration — The same Spirit who spoke through the prophets now empowers gospel proclamation.
- Gospel Fulfillment — What prophets predicted is now preached through Christ’s apostles.
- Angelic Wonder — Even angels long to look into the mystery of salvation.
📖 Verse-by-Verse Commentary
1 Peter 1:10 — The Prophets Inquired
“Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you…”
The prophets foresaw grace, though dimly. They longed to understand the details of salvation, recognizing it was greater than their own era.
1 Peter 1:11 — Sufferings and Glories
“…searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow.”
The Spirit pointed to both the Messiah’s sufferings and the glory that would follow. This twofold pattern—cross then crown—became clear in Christ’s death and resurrection.
1 Peter 1:12 — Fulfillment and Privilege
“To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you…”
The prophets served future generations. The same Spirit who inspired them now empowers apostolic preaching. Believers live in the time of fulfillment—something even angels desire to examine.
🔍 Trusted Insight
“The Old Testament prophets were not writing for their own age only, but for ours. They looked forward to the day of Christ with longing eyes. What was mystery to them is substance to us.” — Charles Spurgeon
Spurgeon underscores the privilege believers now have in the gospel era. What was once hidden is revealed: Christ crucified and risen.
Summary: The salvation believers enjoy today is the climax of prophetic longing, Spirit-inspired proclamation, and angelic wonder.
🌍 Worldview Connections & Common Objections
1. Prophecy Fulfilled vs. Human Speculation
- Worldview clash: Many treat the Bible as just human writings with no divine unity.
- Peter’s teaching: The prophets searched and spoke by the Spirit, pointing to Christ.
- Common objection: “Isn’t prophecy just vague guesswork fulfilled by chance?”
- Gospel response: The coherence of Scripture across centuries shows God’s hand, not coincidence.
2. Christ-Centered Revelation vs. Religious Relativism
- Worldview clash: Our culture views all religions as equally valid.
- Peter’s teaching: Salvation is revealed uniquely through Christ, whom the prophets and apostles proclaim.
- Common objection: “Why insist on Christ when all religions have wisdom?”
- Gospel response: Only Christ fulfills the promises of God and brings grace in its fullness.
3. Angels Longing vs. Human Indifference
- Worldview clash: Many shrug at salvation as unimportant.
- Peter’s teaching: Even angels long to look into the mystery of the gospel.
- Common objection: “Why make so much of the gospel?”
- Gospel response: If heavenly beings marvel at God’s plan, how much more should humans treasure it.
🧩 Review Questions
- How did the prophets serve future generations through their ministry?
- Why is it significant that the Spirit revealed both Christ’s suffering and glory?
- What does it mean that angels long to look into the gospel? ---
🔍 Definitions
- Prophecy — God’s revelation of His will and future purposes through chosen messengers.
- Sufferings of Christ — Foretold afflictions of the Messiah culminating in the cross.
- Glories to Follow — The resurrection, ascension, and future reign of Christ.
- Spirit of Christ — The Holy Spirit, who inspired prophets and now empowers gospel preaching.
🙋 Application Questions
- How does knowing the prophets longed for Christ deepen your gratitude for the gospel?
- Where do you see the pattern of suffering and glory shaping your own life?
- How can remembering angelic interest in salvation stir awe and worship in you?
🔤 Greek Keywords
- προφητεύω (prophēteuō) — to speak forth by divine inspiration, prophesy.
- πάθημα (pathēma) — suffering; used of Christ’s passion.
- δόξα (doxa) — glory, honor, splendor; the outcome of Christ’s victory.
- ἐραυνάω (eraunaō) — to search or inquire diligently.
- εὐαγγελίζω (euangelizō) — to proclaim good news, preach the gospel.
📚 Cross References
- Isaiah 53:3–5 — The suffering servant prophecy fulfilled in Christ.
- Daniel 7:13–14 — The glory of the Son of Man receiving dominion.
- Luke 24:25–27 — Jesus explains the prophets’ witness to His suffering and glory.
- Acts 3:18 — What God foretold by the prophets, Christ fulfilled.
- Hebrews 1:1–2 — God spoke through prophets, now fully through His Son.
- Micah 5:2 — The ruler from Bethlehem foretold, fulfilled in Christ’s birth.
- Zechariah 12:10 — They will look on the one they pierced.
- Matthew 13:17 — Prophets and righteous people longed to see what is now revealed.
- John 5:39 — The Scriptures bear witness about Christ.
- Acts 26:22–23 — Moses and the prophets testified that Christ would suffer and rise.
📦 Next Study
Next Study → 1 Peter 1:13–21 – Be Holy in All Conduct