We have more to learn about the salvation of our souls (v9). Of this salvation, Peter says, the prophets have inquired and searched carefully. The prophets prophesied of the grace that would come to you. The Old Testament prophets include Isaiah to Malachi whose names are familiar to us because they are attached to Scripture. Also included was John the Baptist, who prophesied before Christ began his ministry, and who also inquired and searched carefully of these things. All these prophets prophesied what we call Messianic prophesies, prophesies of a Savior who would come to bring salvation to Adam’s race (Gen. 3:15). These prophesies were about the grace that would come to you; and the prophets had all ministered to Israel.
Specifically, these prophets were searching out the answers to two questions:
“what” would happen to bring about this salvation?
“what manner of time” it would happen?
The second question is not so much a question of “when” it would happen but what order of events could possibly fit the “what” that God was telling them to speak about. The Messianic prophesies spoke of the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. An easy illustration of this can be seen if you read the Immanuel Prophesy of Isaiah 7-12, especially the familiar passage in Isa. 9:6-7. It speaks of the Child who will rule on the throne of David. Then read Isa. 53 that describes the terrible suffering of the Messiah and clearly speaks of His death (v9).
How can these fit together? Jews to this day, who have rejected Jesus as the Messiah, struggle with this issue, to the point of denying the clear meaning of Isa. 53 or seeking resolution by suggesting there must be two Messiahs. The latter view at least has the credibility of acknowledging the inquiry of the ancient prophets. Even the angels did not understand how this was going to happen; but they did have a desire to look into it, being as they desire to glorify God in all things.
According to Peter the answer to the prophet’s inquiry is also twofold:
* It was for “us” (or “you”). Peter says the answer would not be understood until the time of the New Covenant. He and those to whom he wrote had understanding because they knew the events that already transpired (the cross, empty tomb and ascension) as well as what was promised (the revelation of Jesus Christ).
* It involved the “gospel”. Paul says the gospel involves the mystery kept secret since the world began but now made manifest (Rom. 16:25-27.) The gospel was witnessed by the Law and the Prophets (Rom. 3:21-22.) It was even promised before time began but only manifested … through preaching by the Apostles.
Think about this. These prophets could not understand how it fit together. But they inquired, and the angels desired to look into it, because they all trusted the word of our faithful Creator. Even if they could not understand it they believed it would happen. Do we have such a faith in the word of God?
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