1 Peter 1:12 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.
What the prophets saw for the future would impact the human situation. They could not participate in this because it was obviously in the future. They longed for it and by a very extended faith, were able to join in the stream that led to this salvation. Their message was consistent with what actually came to pass many centuries later. Peter links the message of the prophets with the message of the apostles and early Christian missionaries. This legitimizes what his readers have heard and connects them to the long stream stretches back through the ages. The message about Jesus Christ is not something made up or brand new. It was part of God’s plan from the beginning of creation. This has been confirmed by the Holy Spirit. Peter’s readers had personally experienced the Holy Spirit who brings confirmation of the truth of the gospel. The angels could not see this because they do not know the future. They are also bound by time in some way. Only God is beyond time. These verses in chapter 1 confirm what we believe and give assurance that our faith in Jesus is deeply rooted to the ancient past. We join with believers in the true God who have lived throughout the ages.
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