Sunday: Jesus in the Old Testament
All through his epistles, Peter writes with a sense of certainty. He knows what he is talking about because he knows whom he is talking about. And one reason is that he knows that Jesus was the One to whom the Old Testament prophets pointed. It was Peter’s trust in the Written Word that helped him know the Word “made flesh” (John 1:14).
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In 1 Peter 1:10-12, Peter points his readers to the Hebrew Bible, to the prophets of old, and what they taught about Jesus. According to Peter, the Holy Spirit revealed in the Old Testament two crucial truths about Jesus: the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories that would follow (1 Pet. 1:11). These two strands can be found throughout the Hebrew Bible.
What do these texts together teach about what the Old Testament predicted concerning Jesus? Psalm 22; Isa. 53:1-12; Zech. 12:10; Zech. 13:7; Jer. 33:14-15; Dan. 7:13-14.
In 1 Peter 1:10-12, Peter assures his readers that they occupy a very special place in salvation history. To them had been revealed much more than what was revealed to the prophets of old. The prophets indeed spoke to their own times, but crucial parts of their messages would not be fulfilled until the coming of Christ.
Some of what the prophets had predicted had come true only in the time in which Peter’s readers were then living. These readers were able to hear from those “who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven,” truths that even the angels desired to know (1 Pet. 1:12, NKJV). Having had the gospel preached to them, the people knew in much more detail than did the prophets of old the reality and nature of the Redeemer’s suffering and humiliation. Of course, they will have to wait, as will we, for “the glories that would follow” (1 Pet. 1:11, NKJV). With the first part of those prophecies fulfilled, we can be certain about the last part, as well.
| What biblical promises have you seen fulfilled in your life? Which ones are you still waiting for, what do they mean to you, and how can you learn to hold on to them, no matter what? |
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I would like clarification on the statement, "...truth that even angels desire to know...". I think angels know the truth. What exactly is being referred in this statement?
If you look at the NIV, a closer translation, 'that angels long to look into these things'. And since you are looking into these things, maybe you are an angel.
Time and place are to be considered, Peter was writing for his time and his place. Just like Peter, angels desired to know about the unfolding of prophecy as to the future events that now have taken place; the beast power has ruled and has spoken great words against the most high and has worn out the saints etc. And there is still more to come that angels still desire as well as us to look into; the end time events of the seven last plagues and even events before that time; the mark of the beast, God's people not being able to buy or sell etc.
"In Christ dwelt all the fullness of the Godhead. But the only way in which He could reach men was to veil His glory by a garb of humanity. The angels beheld the hiding of His glory, that divinity might touch humanity. Christ ever retained the utmost hatred for sin, but He loved the purchase of His blood. He suffered in the place of sinful men, taking them into union with Himself.
The angels desire to know how Christ could live and work in a fallen world, how He could mingle with sinful humanity. It was a mystery to them that He who hated sin with intense hatred felt the most tender, compassionate sympathy for the beings that committed sin." 7BC 904.3, .4
In other words: Peter was thinking of the angels who, with intense interest, want to study the development of the plan of salvation. They are also extremely interested in the outcome of this drama.
Yes, they know the truth (like us) but they will be studying this mistery in heaven (like us).
Blessings!!!
I agree with Suzanne's interpretation. The angels long to know what we are experiencing, that the King of the universe would give up His throne , clothe Himself in humanity to save us from our condition. God the Redeemer is a story only we will experience and as EGW says, " it will be the science and song of eternity". We will teach angels and the rest of creation the story of the "Redeemer".