What is the meaning of 1 Peter 1:12? It was revealed to them Peter points first to the Old Testament prophets. God “revealed” truth to them—He initiated, they received. Revelation is always God’s gracious act (see Deuteronomy 29:29; Amos 3:7). The prophets did not stumble upon spiritual insight; the Spirit disclosed future grace (1 Peter 1:10–11) just as He still opens eyes today (1 Corinthians 2:10-12). Their writings stand as fully reliable, God-breathed Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16). that they were not serving themselves, but you The prophets learned their ministry aimed at later generations. • Hebrews 11:39-40 echoes this: “God had planned something better for us so that together with us they would be made perfect.” • Romans 15:4 reminds us that what was “written in the past was written for our instruction.” Their sacrifices, persecution, and faithful penmanship ultimately served believers who would live after Christ’s resurrection—“you,” the first-century readers and, by extension, us. God’s timeline is bigger than any single life; faithful obedience today may bless believers centuries from now. when they foretold the things now announced “Foretold” links prophecy to proclamation. • Isaiah 53 predicted the suffering Messiah; Acts 8:32-35 shows Philip announcing that very message. • Jeremiah’s new covenant promise (Jeremiah 31:31-34) is declared fulfilled in Hebrews 8:6-13. What was once future (“foretold”) is now public news (“announced”). Prophecy and gospel preaching form one seamless story—God’s eternal plan realized in Christ (Ephesians 1:9-10). by those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven The same Spirit who inspired prophets empowers gospel messengers (Acts 2:1-4; 1 Thessalonians 1:5). • Note the chain: God → prophets → apostles/evangelists → believers. • John 20:21-22 shows Jesus breathing the Spirit on His followers to commission them. Because the message is Spirit-delivered, it carries divine authority and life-changing power (Romans 1:16). “Sent from heaven” underscores that the gospel is not human opinion but heaven’s certified good news. Even angels long to look into these things “Long” conveys intense desire; angels are fascinated by redemption’s unfolding drama (Ephesians 3:10; Luke 15:7). They witness God’s holiness daily, yet the cross reveals dimensions of grace, justice, and love unique to human salvation. If sinless celestial beings marvel, how much more should redeemed people cherish the gospel. summary 1 Peter 1:12 shows salvation’s grand panorama: God revealed forthcoming grace to prophets, who served later believers by writing Scripture. What they predicted has now been proclaimed through Spirit-empowered preachers. Even angels are captivated by this salvation. The verse invites confidence in Scripture, gratitude for our privileged place in redemptive history, and reverent wonder at the gospel that heaven itself delights to behold. |
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