1 Peter 1:12
It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Here's a thought about that verse: It's easy to skim over the part about angels, but Peter is highlighting just how astonishing and significant the gospel message is. Those who wrote the Old Testament scriptures, and even heavenly messengers, are utterly captivated by this unfolding story of salvation, a story they longed to fully understand. The fact that we now have access to this revealed truth, through the Holy Spirit, is an incredible privilege that should inspire awe.
Peter is explaining how the Old Testament prophets, despite not fully understanding the implications of their prophecies, were essentially foretelling the coming of Jesus and the salvation now offered to believers. They were planting seeds of hope for a future generation – us – who would receive the good news directly through the apostles, a message even angels marvel at. This sets the stage for Peter to urge believers to live holy lives, worthy of such a profound salvation.
The Old Testament prophets spoke incredible truths, but did they fully grasp what they were saying? And who helped them understand?
The verse highlights that the Old Testament prophets received divine revelation. They were shown glimpses of God's unfolding plan, specifically concerning the salvation that would come through Christ. However, Peter clarifies that their service wasn't for their own benefit, but for us. They were revealing things they themselves didn't completely comprehend.
A Message for Future Generations
Think of it like a scientist discovering a groundbreaking formula. They know it works, but the full implications and applications might only be unlocked by future researchers. The prophets were pioneers, laying groundwork and receiving insights that would only become fully clear centuries later.
Imagine the most brilliant minds ever, celestial beings with perfect understanding, straining to get a better look at something. What could possibly capture their attention so fully?
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about 1 Peter 1:12 is available in the Sola app.
The final phrase, "things into which angels long to look," is truly awe-inspiring. Angels are powerful, intelligent beings who have been with God from the beginning. Yet, the mysteries of salvation, revealed through Christ and preached by the Spirit, are so profound and glorious that even angels are captivated. They desire to understand the depth of God's grace and the redemption story in a way that surpasses even their own privileged perspective.
A Glimpse into the Unseen
This tells us that the good news of Jesus is not just important for humanity; it’s a cosmic spectacle. It reveals the wisdom and power of God in a way that amazes the heavenly hosts. It’s a testament to the incredible value and scope of God's redemptive work.
Understand the original words
euangelizo · Greek Verb
The proclamation of the gospel, the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. It is the good news that God has acted in history to reconcile humanity to Himself through the life, death, and resurrection of His Son.
angelos · Greek Noun
Celestial beings created by God who serve Him, deliver messages, and act as witnesses to His redemptive works. They are distinct from humanity and occupy a higher realm, yet they marvel at the mystery of human salvation.
The Old Testament prophets and patriarchs looked forward to the salvation you now experience through Christ, a truth so profound that even angels eagerly study it.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
God delivers Israel from slavery, establishing His covenant and giving the Law through Moses. This event sets the stage for prophetic ministry and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.
c. 1000 BC - 586 BC
Prophetic Ministry in Israel
Prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Daniel speak God's word to Israel, often warning of judgment but also revealing glimpses of futureMessianic salvation and God's eternal purposes.
c. 605 BC - 538 BC
Babylonian Exile
Many Judeans are deported to Babylon, a time of hardship and spiritual refining that deepens their longing for God's promised restoration and future kingdom.
c. 4 BC - AD 30/33
Jesus' earthly ministry
Jesus inaugurates the Kingdom of God, proclaiming the good news of salvation and fulfilling Old Testament prophecies. His death and resurrection are the central events of redemptive history.
c. AD 30 - 34
Pentecost and the early Church
The Holy Spirit is poured out on believers, empowering them to boldly preach the gospel. The church is born and begins its mission to spread the good news throughout the Roman Empire.
c. AD 62-64— this verse
Peter writes his First Epistle
Peter writes to scattered believers facing persecution, encouraging them to stand firm in their faith and reminding them of the glorious hope they possess, revealed through the prophets and ultimately fulfilled in Christ.
Daniel received prophecies about future events concerning God's people and the coming Messiah, echoing the theme of revelation for a future generation.
Luke 10:24Jesus speaks about prophets and righteous people longing to see and hear what his disciples are experiencing, highlighting the desire of previous generations to understand God's plan.
Hebrews 11:13This passage describes Old Testament saints who lived by faith, 'acknowledging that they were strangers and exiles on the earth,' showing they understood they were part of a larger, unfolding divine plan.
1 Corinthians 2:10Paul explains how God reveals His hidden wisdom through the Spirit, even things that 'no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined,' connecting to the 'things into which angels long to look'.
Here's a thought about that verse:
It's easy to skim over the part about angels, but Peter is highlighting just how astonishing and significant the gospel message is. Those who wrote the Old Testament scriptures, and even heavenly messengers, are utterly captivated by this unfolding story of salvation, a story they longed to fully understand. The fact that we now have access to this revealed truth, through the Holy Spirit, is an incredible privilege that should inspire awe.
Peter is explaining how the Old Testament prophets, despite not fully understanding the implications of their prophecies, were essentially foretelling the coming of Jesus and the salvation now offered to believers. They were planting seeds of hope for a future generation – us – who would receive the good news directly through the apostles, a message even angels marvel at. This sets the stage for Peter to urge believers to live holy lives, worthy of such a profound salvation.
Peter is explaining how the Old Testament prophets, despite not fully understanding the implications of their prophecies, were essentially foretelling the coming of Jesus and the salvation now offered to believers. They were planting seeds of hope for a future generation – us – who would receive the good news directly through the apostles, a message even angels marvel at. This sets the stage for Peter to urge believers to live holy lives, worthy of such a profound salvation.
"It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to…" — Here's a thought about that verse:
It's easy to skim over the part about angels, but Peter is highlighting just how astonishing and significant the gospel message is. Those who wrote the Old Testame…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
