What does 1 Peter 1:10 mean?

Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: 1 Peter 1:10

Explanation

1 Peter 1:10 refers to the profound interest and diligent search by the prophets of old regarding the salvation that was to come. These prophets, inspired by the Spirit of God, spoke of the Messiah and the grace that would be made available through His coming. Although they had insights into these revelations, they did not fully understand the timing or the nature of the fulfillment of these prophecies. The verse emphasizes the privilege of the recipients of the letter, who are living in the time when the grace and salvation prophesied have been revealed through Jesus Christ.

The verse speaks to the continuity of God’s plan throughout history, as the prophets who spoke of this salvation laid the foundation for the understanding of the Gospel that the early Christians experienced. The verse underscores the greatness of the salvation that the readers have received, which even the prophets desired to know more about.

Historical Context

The First Epistle of Peter is traditionally believed to have been written by the Apostle Peter in the early Christian era, likely between AD 60-65. The recipients of the letter were Christians in Asia Minor who were experiencing persecution due to their faith. The letter aims to encourage them in the face of their sufferings and to remind them of the hope they have in Christ.

At the time, there was a strong expectation among the Jewish people of a coming Messiah, a savior who would deliver them from oppression. Many prophets in the Hebrew Scriptures spoke enigmatically of this future messianic figure and the grace he would bring. The early Christians believed that Jesus was the fulfillment of these prophecies.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, 1 Peter 1:10 conveys the concept of progressive revelation. This is the idea that over time, God has revealed more of His plans and purposes to humanity. The prophets had a limited understanding of what the full picture of salvation would look like, looking forward to the revelation of Christ without seeing its full realization.

There is also the concept of “the grace that should come unto you” which theologians interpret as the unmerited favor and mercy bestowed upon believers through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This grace is understood as the central theme of the Gospel, which fulfills the prophecies and brings about salvation to those who believe.

Practical Applications

The teachings of 1 Peter 1:10 can be applied in several ways. First, it encourages believers to appreciate the privilege of knowing Christ and having the full picture of salvation, which was not fully understood by the prophets. Second, it calls Christians to study the Scriptures, understanding that they are part of a larger narrative that God has been weaving throughout history. Third, it can inspire believers to persevere through difficulties, knowing that the prophets also faced challenges and looked forward to a future hope.

Cross-References

• Daniel 12:8-9: “And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things? And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.”
• Luke 10:23-24: “And he turned him unto his disciples, and said privately, Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see: For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.”

Language Study

• “Inquired” (εξεζητησαν – exezetesan): This Greek term indicates an intensive search or investigation, implying a deep desire to comprehend.
• “Searched diligently” (εξεραυναω – exeraunaō): This term denotes a thorough examination, as if mining for precious metals, demonstrating the depth of the prophets’ pursuit for understanding.
• “Grace” (χαρις – charis): Commonly understood as favor or kindness, especially that which is unearned or undeserved, it is a central term describing the salvific work of Jesus Christ.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The Jewish expectation of a Messiah and the subsequent Christian interpretation can be compared to other cultural and religious beliefs in a savior figure or a golden age. For instance, Zoroastrianism speaks of a future savior, Saoshyant, who would bring about the renovation of the world. Similarly, many mythologies have tales of heroes or gods who accomplish great feats of salvation or liberation.

Scientific Perspectives

While 1 Peter 1:10 does not directly engage with scientific ideas, the modern understanding of history and timelines provides a framework for discerning the period between the prophets’ writings and the coming of Christ. Archaeology and historiography have played roles in validating the historical context in which these prophecies were made and how they were understood in their own time.

Commentaries

Commentators generally agree that 1 Peter 1:10 speaks of the continuity in God’s revelation from the prophets to the time of the early church. According to Matthew Henry’s Commentary, this verse shows that the salvation Christians enjoy was the same that the ancient prophets looked into and enquired after. Additionally, the ESV Study Bible notes that Peter underscored the privilege of his readers, living after Christ’s resurrection, to see what the prophets could only hope to see. The New Bible Commentary emphasizes that the prophets spoke from God as they tried to understand the full significance of their own messages, indicating the mystery and depth of God’s redemptive plan.