1 Peter 1:10-12
What is written? (ESV)
Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. 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.
What does it say?
The Holy Spirit (e.g. “the Spirit of Christ in them”) predicted Christ’s suffering and subsequent glories through the prophets who, when they prophesied about salvation (or, “grace that was to be yours”), wondered and inquired about it themselves. However, they were told they weren’t serving themselves but you [Christians then and now] with the things that have now been fulfilled (“announced”) in the revelation of the gospel by the Holy Spirit.
What is its immediate context?
Peter’s letter(s) of encouragement to the saints who were facing great persecution and longing for their reward in Christ Jesus — revealed to them in the “last time” (vs 3). He goes on to tell them to be prepared for Jesus’ revealing (vs 13).
How 1 Peter 1:10-12 is applied across Bible answers
Can we interpret Bible prophecy?
The prophets that uttered God's prophecy didn't know for themselves the interpretation. They were left to wonder (without God revealing it to them).
Do God’s prophets exist today?
Peter is speaking of the fulfillment of the prophets' mission and objective. Their "work" was for the benefit of the Christians at that time, therefore their work was complete (which is also made clear in how Peter writes).
Must a New Testament writer always quote in context?
Prophets prophesied about "the grace" (e.g. Jesus Christ) without knowing they were prophesying about it.
They "searched and inquired carefully"...without answer, since the preceding verses make it clear it wasn't until the "last time" (e.g. Peter's audience in the first century and us today) that it was revealed (e.g. answered).
What does Jesus mean by “fulfill all that is written” (Luke 21:22)?
Peter summarizes the things about which the prophets "inquired carefully" as the things pertaining to "the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories" -- e.g. a Christian's salvation. It's acknowledged that Peter's point isn't to say the "suffering" and "subsequent glories" are necessarily all fulfilled, but he is saying they've been fully revealed.
When are the Christian last days?
Peter is speaking of the fulfillment of the prophets' mission and objective. Their "work" was for the benefit of the Christians at that time (and now), during the day of salvation (1 Corinthians 6:2).
