1 Peter 1:12
Verse
Context
A Living Hope
11trying to determine the time and setting to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow.12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, when they foretold the things now announced by those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.
Sermons
Erlo Stegen
Carter Conlon
Doc Greenway
T. Austin-Sparks
Charles Alexander
Jonathan EdwardsSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Unto whom it was revealed - We may presume that, in a great variety of cases, the prophets did not understand the meaning of their own predictions. They had a general view of God's designs; but of particular circumstances, connected with those great events, they seem to have known nothing, God reserving the explanation of all particulars to the time of the issue of such prophecies. When they wished to find out the times, the seasons, and the circumstances, God gave them to understand that it was not for themselves, but for us, that they did minister the things which are now reported unto us by the preaching of the Gospel. This was all the satisfaction they received in consequence of their earnest searching; and this was sufficient to repress all needless curiosity, and to induce them to rest satisfied that the Judge of all the earth would do right. If all succeeding interpreters of the prophecies had been contented with the same information relative to the predictions still unaccomplished, we should have had fewer books, and more wisdom. Angels desire to took into - Παρακυψαι· To stoop down to; the posture of those who are earnestly intent on finding out a thing, especially a writing difficult to be read; they bring it to the light, place it so that the rays may fall on it as collectively as possible, and then stoop down in order to examine all the parts, that they may be able to make out the whole. There is evidently an allusion here to the attitude of the cherubim who stood at the ends of the ark of the covenant, in the inner tabernacle, with their eyes turned towards the mercy-seat or propitiatory in a bending posture, as if looking attentively, or, as we term it, poring upon it. Even the holy angels are struck with astonishment at the plan of human redemption, and justly wonder at the incarnation of that infinite object of their adoration. If then these things be objects of deep consideration to the angels of God, how much more so should they be to us; in them angels can have no such interest as human beings have. We learn from the above that it was the Spirit of Christ in the Jewish prophets that prophesied of Christ; it was that Spirit which revealed him; and it is the same Spirit which takes of the things of Christ, and shows them unto us. Christ was never known by prophecy, but through his own Spirit; and he never was known, nor can be known, to the salvation of any soul, but by a revelation of the same Spirit. It is he alone that bears witness with our spirits that we are the children of God.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Not only was the future revealed to them, but this also, that these revelations of the future were given them not for themselves, but for our good in Gospel times. This, so far from disheartening, only quickened them in unselfishly testifying in the Spirit for the partial good of their own generation (only of believers), and for the full benefit of posterity. Contrast in Gospel times, Rev 22:10. Not that their prophecies were unattended with spiritual instruction as to the Redeemer to their own generation, but the full light was not to be given till Messiah should come; it was well that they should have this "revealed" to them, lest they should be disheartened in not clearly discovering with all their inquiry and search the full particulars of the coming "salvation." To Daniel (Dan 9:25-26) the "time" was revealed. Our immense privileges are thus brought forth by contrast with theirs, notwithstanding that they had the great honor of Christ's Spirit speaking in them; and this, as an incentive to still greater earnestness on our part than even they manifested (Pe1 1:13, &c.). us--The oldest manuscripts read "you," as in Pe1 1:10. This verse implies that we, Christians, may understand the prophecies by the Spirit's aid in their most important part, namely, so far as they have been already fulfilled. with the Holy Ghost sent down--on Pentecost. The oldest manuscripts omit Greek preposition en, that is, "in"; then translate, "by." The Evangelists speaking by the Holy Spirit were infallible witnesses. "The Spirit of Christ" was in the prophets also (Pe1 1:11), but not manifestly, as in the case of the Christian Church and its first preachers, "SENT down from heaven." How favored are we in being ministered to, as to "salvation," by prophets and apostles alike, the latter now announcing the same things as actually fulfilled which the former foretold. which things--"the things now reported unto you" by the evangelistic preachers "Christ's sufferings and the glory that should follow" (Pe1 1:11-12). angels--still higher than "the prophets" (Pe1 1:10). Angels do not any more than ourselves possess an INTUITIVE knowledge of redemption. "To look into" in Greek is literally, "to bend over so as to look deeply into and see to the bottom of a thing." See on Jam 1:25, on same word. As the cherubim stood bending over the mercy seat, the emblem of redemption, in the holiest place, so the angels intently gaze upon and desire to fathom the depths of "the great mystery of godliness, God manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels" (Ti1 3:16). Their "ministry to the heirs of salvation" naturally disposes them to wish to penetrate this mystery as reflecting such glory on the love, justice, wisdom, and power of their and our God and Lord. They can know it only through its manifestation in the Church, as they personally have not the direct share in it that we have. "Angels have only the contrast between good and evil, without the power of conversion from sin to righteousness: witnessing such conversion in the Church, they long to penetrate the knowledge of the means whereby it is brought about" [HOFMAN in ALFORD].
John Gill Bible Commentary
Unto whom it was revealed,.... The salvation they searched and inquired into, and the grace of it; the time of its being wrought out, and what sort of times they would be when Christ should come, both to the church, and to the world, among Jews and Gentiles; as also what cruel sufferings the Messiah should undergo, and what great glory should be put upon him afterwards: that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister. The Vulgate Latin, Arabic, and Ethiopic versions, read "unto you"; and so do some copies. Not that they were ignorant of the things they searched into, and were revealed unto them, and they prophesied of; as the Jews sometimes say (c) of them, "that they prophesied, and knew not what they prophesied of; though it is not to be supposed that they had such clear and distinct ideas of things as saints have now under the Gospel dispensation; yet they knew much of the grace of the Gospel, and had the comfort of it, and a view of interest in the great salvation, and saw the day of Christ afar off with pleasure: nor that they did not minister, and were not useful to the saints of the age in which they lived; for their prophecies concerning Christ, and salvation by him, were particularly calculated for their spiritual refreshment and comfort, and the support of their faith and hope under afflictive circumstances; but then they were not to have their accomplishment in their times; for though they sometimes speak of them, because of the certainty of them, as if they were already done, yet they knew they were not to be brought about until the last days; and therefore what was written by them, was written for our learning and instruction chiefly and principally, on whom the ends of the world are come; and though they were both profitable to themselves, and others that lived with them, yet they are more so to the saints under the Gospel dispensations, who are able to compare prophesies and facts together: even the things which are now reported unto you; as accomplished facts; such as relate to the person and offices of Christ, and salvation wrought out by him; to his incarnation, obedience, sufferings, death, resurrection, ascension into heaven, and session at the right hand of God; of all which there is a true and faithful report made in the Gospel: by them that have preached the Gospel unto you; meaning himself, and the rest of the apostles, who had been called, and qualified, and sent out by Christ to preach glad tidings, and publish peace, which they had done in the several parts of the world, both to Jew and Gentile: with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; by Christ from the Father, particularly at the day of Pentecost, when the apostles had an extraordinary and plentiful effusion of the Spirit, qualifying them to preach the Gospel to which they were called and sent: and thus, as the great salvation is commended, from the concern that the prophets of old had in it, so from the preaching of it by the apostles, who were influenced and guided by the same Spirit of Christ as they were, and in a far greater manner; and this salvation is still more commended from the great regard the blessed angels have unto it: which things the angels desire to look into. The Vulgate Latin version reads, "into whom"; either into the Holy Spirit, and the things of the Spirit, which he testified in the prophets, and published by the apostles; or rather into Christ, his person, offices, and grace, the allusion being to the cherubim on the mercy seat, a type of Christ, which looked to one another, and to the mercy seat, Exo 25:20 and was true of them in the days of Christ's flesh, when they ascended and descended on the son of man, Joh 1:51 and when he rose from the dead, and went to heaven; for then was he seen and gazed on by angels, as he now is, Ti1 3:16 or "into which things": so the Syriac, Arabic, and Ethiopic versions read; namely, the sufferings of Christ, and the glories following; the great mystery of redemption and salvation by Christ; the several doctrines of the Gospel, in which the glory of the grace, wisdom, righteousness, truth, and power of God is displayed; things they are highly delighted with, take pleasure in the contemplation of, and desire to have a greater knowledge of, and acquaintance with: they sung glory to God in the highest at the incarnation of Christ; they rejoice at the conversion of a sinner; and disdain not to be ministering spirits to the heirs of salvation; and learn of the church the manifold wisdom of God; which may serve greatly to commend the excellency of Gospel truths, and engage us in the study of them, (c) T. Bab. Bava Bathra, fol. 119. 2.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:12 eagerly watching: The same Greek word is used of the disciples when they peered into Jesus’ empty tomb (Luke 24:12; John 20:5, 11).
1 Peter 1:12
A Living Hope
11trying to determine the time and setting to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow.12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, when they foretold the things now announced by those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Depth of His Riches
By Erlo Stegen8591:21:00MAT 6:33ROM 11:331PE 1:12In the video, a man is shown stealing items from a shop and is caught on CCTV cameras. The owner of the shop confronts the man and shows him the footage, leaving him amazed at the advanced technology. The sermon then transitions to the preacher discussing the depth of God's wisdom and knowledge, emphasizing that His ways are beyond human understanding. The sermon concludes with a description of Jesus' crucifixion and the immense suffering He endured for the sins of humanity.
Will You Reject Jesus or Accept Him?
By Carter Conlon62040:43JesusMAT 7:7LUK 15:7JHN 3:16ROM 8:38HEB 3:15HEB 4:121PE 1:12In this sermon, Pastor Williams emphasizes the uncertainty of life and the importance of accepting Jesus Christ as one's Lord and Savior. He warns about the dangers of playing games with a holy God and highlights the current threats of nuclear attacks on New York City. Pastor Williams describes the immense sacrifice Jesus made for humanity, enduring a severe beating and crucifixion out of love. He pleads with the audience to not harden their hearts and to seize the opportunity to receive eternal life through Jesus Christ. The sermon concludes with a powerful moment of a young man coming forward to give his life to Christ, symbolizing the transformative power of accepting Jesus as Lord.
A Sure Leading
By Doc Greenway3801:14:02Christian LifeMAT 6:33ACT 13:2ACT 15:4ROM 8:8ROM 12:12CO 13:141PE 1:12In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prayer in helping others understand the preaching of the word of God. The speaker shares that when they tried to explain the word of God, people couldn't fully comprehend it, but when they bombarded them with prayer, something amazing happened. The speaker also discusses the need for partnership with the Holy Spirit and the sense of deliverance and freedom that comes from it. They highlight the importance of obedience to the leading of the Spirit and the responsibility we have in keeping our vows to God.
The Nature and Danger of Making Light of Christ and Salvation
By Samuel Davies01SA 2:30ISA 55:1MAT 13:46MAT 16:26JHN 4:5JHN 4:13ACT 2:371CO 2:81PE 1:12Samuel Davies preaches about the nature and danger of making light of Christ and salvation, emphasizing the need to value and earnestly pursue a saving interest in Jesus. He highlights how individuals often neglect the blessings of the gospel, despite the immense love and sacrifice Christ has shown towards them. Davies urges the congregation to consider their thoughts, actions, and affections towards Christ, pointing out the folly of prioritizing worldly pleasures over eternal salvation. He warns of the consequences of disregarding Christ, stressing the importance of awakening to the reality of judgment and the urgency of seeking a genuine relationship with the Savior.
The Cry of the Prophets for Holiness
By T. Austin-Sparks0The Role of the Holy SpiritHolinessPSA 119:75EZK 43:12MAT 16:18LUK 1:35ACT 2:16ACT 5:3ACT 13:27HEB 4:15HEB 9:141PE 1:12T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the urgent call for holiness as expressed by the prophets, contrasting the old and new dispensations. He highlights how the early church was challenged to move beyond traditional mindsets and embrace the revolutionary work of the Holy Spirit, which requires a deep commitment to holiness. The tragic example of Ananias and Sapphira illustrates the severe consequences of unholiness, as their deceit brought spiritual death and arrested the work of the Spirit. Sparks urges believers to confront their own unholiness and recognize the broader implications of their actions on the community and God's purposes. Ultimately, he calls for a sincere pursuit of holiness, aligning with the nature of Christ, to avoid the peril of spiritual stagnation.
The Incarnation Part 10 - "The First Prophecy"
By Charles Alexander0EXO 4:22ISA 60:3HOS 11:11CO 10:4HEB 13:81PE 1:12Charles Alexander delves into the profound prophecies fulfilled in the early history of Jesus, focusing on the journey of the wise men, the flight into Egypt, and the return to Nazareth, all guided by ancient prophecies. He emphasizes the divine significance of Christ's birth, the symbolism behind the gifts of the wise men, and the miraculous events surrounding the Holy Family. Charles explores the deep mysteries of Old Testament prophecies pointing to the redemption brought by Jesus, highlighting the eternal presence and compassion of God throughout history.
The Wisdom of God, Displayed in the Way of Salvation
By Jonathan Edwards0EXO 15:3EXO 34:7ROM 3:26EPH 3:10COL 2:101PE 1:12Jonathan Edwards preaches about the wisdom of God displayed in the way of salvation through Jesus Christ, far surpassing the wisdom of angels. He explains how the work of redemption unveils the mystery of Christ to the church and angels, revealing the manifold wisdom of God. Edwards emphasizes that the salvation by Jesus Christ not only glorifies God's attributes but also benefits the angels by allowing them to behold the glory of God in a new light, making Christ their head, and expanding their heavenly society. The sermon highlights how the redemption of mankind turns the dishonor of sin into an occasion for God's greatest glory, glorifying attributes like justice, holiness, and truth, and ultimately requiring the salvation of believers as an act of divine justice and truth.
Epistle 317
By George Fox0Unity in ChristGospel OrderISA 63:10JHN 12:36ACT 26:182CO 5:19EPH 4:301TH 5:19HEB 12:21PE 1:121JN 1:1REV 14:6George Fox emphasizes the importance of returning to the light and power of God, urging believers to be reconciled with Him through the eternal gospel. He warns against the spirit of confusion that seeks to undermine the established meetings for men and women, which are rooted in divine order and the Holy Spirit. Fox encourages the faithful to maintain their possessions in the gospel's power, asserting that true unity and liberty come from being in Christ and His teachings. He cautions against those who oppose the gospel order, reminding the congregation that the power of God will ultimately prevail over all false spirits and orders. His message is a call to live in love, unity, and the practice of pure religion, which is essential for spiritual growth and community edification.
Love and Justice
By Robert Haldane0ROM 3:25ROM 8:42CO 5:21PHP 2:61PE 1:12Robert Haldane delves into the profound concept of God's righteousness being fulfilled in believers who walk in the Spirit, contrasting the condemnation of Jesus by the Father to save His enemies with the incomprehensible wisdom, goodness, and mercies of God. The sermon explores the unfathomable love that led Jesus to humble Himself and take on the sins of humanity, a display that even angels marvel at. Additionally, it highlights the justice of God in condemning sin in His Son, surpassing the act of creation by punishing sins to the utmost in Jesus Christ.
Looking Unto Jesus
By Issac Ambrose0PRO 15:30ISA 32:2MAT 1:21JHN 17:31CO 2:2PHP 2:9PHP 3:81PE 1:121JN 2:15Isaac Ambrose preaches on the unparalleled excellence of knowing Jesus Christ and Him crucified, emphasizing that all other knowledge pales in comparison to the comfort, joy, and satisfaction found in Christ. He describes Christ as the source of divine truth, the essence of man's happiness, the healer, protector, friend, and ultimate salvation. Ambrose highlights the importance of fixing our eyes solely on Jesus, the Mediator between God and man, as the key to eternal life and true happiness.
Where Is the Master Plan?
By K.P. Yohannan0TransformationRelationship With ChristLUK 18:22JHN 15:5ACT 17:6GAL 5:221PE 1:12K.P. Yohannan emphasizes that during the final days of Jesus, the focus was not on a detailed master plan for salvation but rather on the importance of relationship with Him. As Jesus prepared to fulfill His mission, He spoke to His disciples about abiding in His love, highlighting that transformed lives, not strategies or programs, would bear fruit. The sermon illustrates that true impact comes from living out the love of Christ, as exemplified by David Livingstone's influence on Henry Stanley. Ultimately, the message is that our lives should reflect the transformation that comes from a deep relationship with Jesus, which will naturally lead to eternal results.
Man Honoured Above Angels
By John Newton0PSA 8:41CO 13:1HEB 2:161PE 1:12REV 5:11John Newton preaches about the unique privilege sinners have to address their King in songs that even angels cannot sing, emphasizing the depth of Jesus' sacrifice for humanity. He highlights how Jesus, surpassing the angels, took on human form to save fallen man, making it possible for us to have a closer relationship with God than even the angels. Newton expresses awe at the disparity between the immense love we receive from God and our often lukewarm response, urging for a deeper, more heartfelt praise. He eagerly anticipates the glorious hour when freed from sin, we will worship and praise God in a way that surpasses even the angels.
A Portrait of Peter
By Victor Maxwell0MRK 1:16MRK 14:32LUK 5:10JHN 1:40JHN 21:18ACT 1:15ACT 2:141PE 1:12Victor Maxwell delves into the life of Peter, highlighting his journey from a rugged, strong-willed fisherman to a loyal yet sometimes overconfident disciple of Jesus. Peter's character is portrayed as a mix of boldness, loyalty, and human flaws, making him relatable to many. Despite his failures, Peter's story emphasizes God's faithfulness and the transformation that can occur when one surrenders to Him. From being a follower of Jesus to playing a prominent role in the early church, Peter's life exemplifies the journey of faith, growth, and unwavering commitment to God.
God's Resources for His People's Need
By John Nelson Darby0Dependence On GodSpiritual ComplacencyDEU 8:3ISA 40:27MAT 6:26PHP 4:19HEB 13:8JAS 1:171PE 1:12John Nelson Darby emphasizes that God provides for His people through resources that are often beyond human understanding, particularly during their wilderness journey. He explains that God places His children in situations where they must rely solely on Him, teaching them about their own weaknesses and His unchanging nature. Darby warns against forgetting God amidst blessings, as this can lead to spiritual complacency and pride. He highlights the importance of maintaining communion with God to recognize our dependence on Him and to avoid the pitfalls of self-sufficiency. Ultimately, he encourages believers to find their joy and strength in Christ alone, acknowledging God's continuous care in both great and small matters.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Unto whom it was revealed - We may presume that, in a great variety of cases, the prophets did not understand the meaning of their own predictions. They had a general view of God's designs; but of particular circumstances, connected with those great events, they seem to have known nothing, God reserving the explanation of all particulars to the time of the issue of such prophecies. When they wished to find out the times, the seasons, and the circumstances, God gave them to understand that it was not for themselves, but for us, that they did minister the things which are now reported unto us by the preaching of the Gospel. This was all the satisfaction they received in consequence of their earnest searching; and this was sufficient to repress all needless curiosity, and to induce them to rest satisfied that the Judge of all the earth would do right. If all succeeding interpreters of the prophecies had been contented with the same information relative to the predictions still unaccomplished, we should have had fewer books, and more wisdom. Angels desire to took into - Παρακυψαι· To stoop down to; the posture of those who are earnestly intent on finding out a thing, especially a writing difficult to be read; they bring it to the light, place it so that the rays may fall on it as collectively as possible, and then stoop down in order to examine all the parts, that they may be able to make out the whole. There is evidently an allusion here to the attitude of the cherubim who stood at the ends of the ark of the covenant, in the inner tabernacle, with their eyes turned towards the mercy-seat or propitiatory in a bending posture, as if looking attentively, or, as we term it, poring upon it. Even the holy angels are struck with astonishment at the plan of human redemption, and justly wonder at the incarnation of that infinite object of their adoration. If then these things be objects of deep consideration to the angels of God, how much more so should they be to us; in them angels can have no such interest as human beings have. We learn from the above that it was the Spirit of Christ in the Jewish prophets that prophesied of Christ; it was that Spirit which revealed him; and it is the same Spirit which takes of the things of Christ, and shows them unto us. Christ was never known by prophecy, but through his own Spirit; and he never was known, nor can be known, to the salvation of any soul, but by a revelation of the same Spirit. It is he alone that bears witness with our spirits that we are the children of God.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Not only was the future revealed to them, but this also, that these revelations of the future were given them not for themselves, but for our good in Gospel times. This, so far from disheartening, only quickened them in unselfishly testifying in the Spirit for the partial good of their own generation (only of believers), and for the full benefit of posterity. Contrast in Gospel times, Rev 22:10. Not that their prophecies were unattended with spiritual instruction as to the Redeemer to their own generation, but the full light was not to be given till Messiah should come; it was well that they should have this "revealed" to them, lest they should be disheartened in not clearly discovering with all their inquiry and search the full particulars of the coming "salvation." To Daniel (Dan 9:25-26) the "time" was revealed. Our immense privileges are thus brought forth by contrast with theirs, notwithstanding that they had the great honor of Christ's Spirit speaking in them; and this, as an incentive to still greater earnestness on our part than even they manifested (Pe1 1:13, &c.). us--The oldest manuscripts read "you," as in Pe1 1:10. This verse implies that we, Christians, may understand the prophecies by the Spirit's aid in their most important part, namely, so far as they have been already fulfilled. with the Holy Ghost sent down--on Pentecost. The oldest manuscripts omit Greek preposition en, that is, "in"; then translate, "by." The Evangelists speaking by the Holy Spirit were infallible witnesses. "The Spirit of Christ" was in the prophets also (Pe1 1:11), but not manifestly, as in the case of the Christian Church and its first preachers, "SENT down from heaven." How favored are we in being ministered to, as to "salvation," by prophets and apostles alike, the latter now announcing the same things as actually fulfilled which the former foretold. which things--"the things now reported unto you" by the evangelistic preachers "Christ's sufferings and the glory that should follow" (Pe1 1:11-12). angels--still higher than "the prophets" (Pe1 1:10). Angels do not any more than ourselves possess an INTUITIVE knowledge of redemption. "To look into" in Greek is literally, "to bend over so as to look deeply into and see to the bottom of a thing." See on Jam 1:25, on same word. As the cherubim stood bending over the mercy seat, the emblem of redemption, in the holiest place, so the angels intently gaze upon and desire to fathom the depths of "the great mystery of godliness, God manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels" (Ti1 3:16). Their "ministry to the heirs of salvation" naturally disposes them to wish to penetrate this mystery as reflecting such glory on the love, justice, wisdom, and power of their and our God and Lord. They can know it only through its manifestation in the Church, as they personally have not the direct share in it that we have. "Angels have only the contrast between good and evil, without the power of conversion from sin to righteousness: witnessing such conversion in the Church, they long to penetrate the knowledge of the means whereby it is brought about" [HOFMAN in ALFORD].
John Gill Bible Commentary
Unto whom it was revealed,.... The salvation they searched and inquired into, and the grace of it; the time of its being wrought out, and what sort of times they would be when Christ should come, both to the church, and to the world, among Jews and Gentiles; as also what cruel sufferings the Messiah should undergo, and what great glory should be put upon him afterwards: that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister. The Vulgate Latin, Arabic, and Ethiopic versions, read "unto you"; and so do some copies. Not that they were ignorant of the things they searched into, and were revealed unto them, and they prophesied of; as the Jews sometimes say (c) of them, "that they prophesied, and knew not what they prophesied of; though it is not to be supposed that they had such clear and distinct ideas of things as saints have now under the Gospel dispensation; yet they knew much of the grace of the Gospel, and had the comfort of it, and a view of interest in the great salvation, and saw the day of Christ afar off with pleasure: nor that they did not minister, and were not useful to the saints of the age in which they lived; for their prophecies concerning Christ, and salvation by him, were particularly calculated for their spiritual refreshment and comfort, and the support of their faith and hope under afflictive circumstances; but then they were not to have their accomplishment in their times; for though they sometimes speak of them, because of the certainty of them, as if they were already done, yet they knew they were not to be brought about until the last days; and therefore what was written by them, was written for our learning and instruction chiefly and principally, on whom the ends of the world are come; and though they were both profitable to themselves, and others that lived with them, yet they are more so to the saints under the Gospel dispensations, who are able to compare prophesies and facts together: even the things which are now reported unto you; as accomplished facts; such as relate to the person and offices of Christ, and salvation wrought out by him; to his incarnation, obedience, sufferings, death, resurrection, ascension into heaven, and session at the right hand of God; of all which there is a true and faithful report made in the Gospel: by them that have preached the Gospel unto you; meaning himself, and the rest of the apostles, who had been called, and qualified, and sent out by Christ to preach glad tidings, and publish peace, which they had done in the several parts of the world, both to Jew and Gentile: with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; by Christ from the Father, particularly at the day of Pentecost, when the apostles had an extraordinary and plentiful effusion of the Spirit, qualifying them to preach the Gospel to which they were called and sent: and thus, as the great salvation is commended, from the concern that the prophets of old had in it, so from the preaching of it by the apostles, who were influenced and guided by the same Spirit of Christ as they were, and in a far greater manner; and this salvation is still more commended from the great regard the blessed angels have unto it: which things the angels desire to look into. The Vulgate Latin version reads, "into whom"; either into the Holy Spirit, and the things of the Spirit, which he testified in the prophets, and published by the apostles; or rather into Christ, his person, offices, and grace, the allusion being to the cherubim on the mercy seat, a type of Christ, which looked to one another, and to the mercy seat, Exo 25:20 and was true of them in the days of Christ's flesh, when they ascended and descended on the son of man, Joh 1:51 and when he rose from the dead, and went to heaven; for then was he seen and gazed on by angels, as he now is, Ti1 3:16 or "into which things": so the Syriac, Arabic, and Ethiopic versions read; namely, the sufferings of Christ, and the glories following; the great mystery of redemption and salvation by Christ; the several doctrines of the Gospel, in which the glory of the grace, wisdom, righteousness, truth, and power of God is displayed; things they are highly delighted with, take pleasure in the contemplation of, and desire to have a greater knowledge of, and acquaintance with: they sung glory to God in the highest at the incarnation of Christ; they rejoice at the conversion of a sinner; and disdain not to be ministering spirits to the heirs of salvation; and learn of the church the manifold wisdom of God; which may serve greatly to commend the excellency of Gospel truths, and engage us in the study of them, (c) T. Bab. Bava Bathra, fol. 119. 2.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:12 eagerly watching: The same Greek word is used of the disciples when they peered into Jesus’ empty tomb (Luke 24:12; John 20:5, 11).