Peter, a fisherman turned follower of Jesus, wrote the epistle of 1 Peter to Christians he referred to as strangers – either having left the tradition of Jewish law or heathenism, they did not ‘belong’. Their home was no longer considered earthly but heavenly, so in this sense they were strangers and foreigners. They were driven from their countries, experienced opposition, and trials, and were tempted to return to their former beliefs. Certainly, this would avoid persecution.
However, these Christian converts were reminded of the grace which they possessed in Jesus Christ. Even in difficulties and afflictions, peace could be found because of their hope, because of God’s protection, because there was joy for the future, because of their proven faith. This was all for God’s glory, looking to the end goal which was the salvation of their souls. Peace was afforded to them amid trials on earth and promised through eternity.
In verses 10 and 11, the Apostle clarifies some facts regarding salvation, using the example of the prophets who had lived before them.
1Peter 1:10 As to this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that [would come] to you made careful search and inquiry,
The prophets had much less evidence than we have today. There is security in knowing that someone else has tried something before us and proclaimed it to be worthwhile. Picture a couple of children sitting at a table with their lunches. All are served a meal that is new to them. Everyone is hesitant to try it until someone else takes a taste. Then they are encouraged because one of their own says it is okay. Consider clinical trials for different treatments of disease. Decisions are based on the results of trials. There is value in someone having gone before you with proven results.
Verse 10 begins with the words, “Of which salvation” (KJV), or “As to this salvation” (NASB). The NIV translation says, “Concerning this salvation” which begins a clarification of what Peter is encouraging the believers to hold fast to – their faith, the salvation they already have, and the advantages of God’s grace in their lives. His reasoning is that the prophets, having less information, made careful examination of the revelations given to them, and were able to conclude that grace under the Messiah was superior to the law. God gives abundant grace to His children now and forever. In direct contrast to the Old Testament Law, which was based on works, grace is something freely given with no connection to being earned or deserved.
Apply It! It is good to examine what we believe. The Bible tells us the prophets made careful search and inquiry. They sought to understand the meaning of what they heard. Adam Clarke’s Commentary says, “they themselves did not know the time when these things were to take place, nor the people among and by whom He was to suffer … they therefore inquired accurately or earnestly, and searched diligently, inquiring of others who were then under the same inspiration, and carefully searching the writings of those who had, before their time, spoken of these things”.
Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please [Him], for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and [that] He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.
Daniel 9:3 So I gave my attention to the Lord God to seek [Him by] prayer and supplications, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes.
Jeremiah 29:12-13 'Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 'And you will seek Me and find [Me,] when you search for Me with all your heart.
Do you search to know more fully the meaning of your salvation?
Do you attempt to discover the truths in God’s word to understand the gift you have in Christ?
Pause for a moment and consider your own actions towards growing in your knowledge and love for God. When I initially wrote this, we were ten weeks into a ‘safer at home’ mandate to slow the spread of Covid 19. During that time, formal activities of fellowship and gathering had stopped. Online services and zoom meetings had become the norm and led to opportunities to continue to grow in the faith and pursuit of Christ. This is good and shouts out a loud praise for technology.
Yet, what if this technology were not available? Would your growth stagnate?
Are you solely dependent on others to move your walk forward?
The actions of enquiring <ekzeteo> and searching diligently <exereunao> demand personal attention.
‘Enquire’ in 1 Peter 1:10, means to search out, investigate, crave, demand, worship, to seek after carefully and diligently. To search diligently means to explore. I love this picture – searching to uncover something!
Matthew Henry’s Commentary says, “The words are strong and emphatic, alluding to miners, who dig to the bottom, and break through not only the earth, but the rock, to come to the ore.”
Along with the many opportunities to continue to grow and be held accountable, there are also unfortunate opportunities to withdraw and become complacent and discouraged. A genuine understanding of the grace and mercy shown through Jesus Christ and the hope we have for the future, does not coincide with complacency. Our faith is responsive to circumstances surrounding us, causing us to look even more intently at our purpose. If God has called you to His arms, there is no need for despair at any time.
Is your response through trials one of growth and perseverance?
Finish strong, press forward, and diligently search the Scriptures to grow in your faith of Jesus’ redemptive grace. Be convinced, not only by relying on others teaching, but by your own careful examination.
Isaiah 55:6 Seek the LORD while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near.
Psalm 63:1 (A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah.) O God, Thou art my God; I shall seek Thee earnestly; my soul thirsts for Thee, my flesh yearns for Thee, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.
Psalm 119:2 How blessed are those who observe His testimonies, who seek Him with all [their] heart.
1Peter 1:10-11 As to this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that [would come] to you made careful search and inquiry, seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow.
The prophets made careful search and inquiry –
Seeking to know who (who would the promised Messiah be like, what would He act like?)
Seeking to know when these things would occur
When would the events leading up to this time take place? The prophets taught others of the coming Messiah and the salvation He would offer. Through the Spirit’s guidance, they were directed to truth.
The example we have is to be seeking to understand God more, focused on the future fulfillment of Christ’s church and His ultimate glory. We have the blessing of having the account of Jesus’ ministry on earth, of His death and resurrection, of the preaching of the Gospel going forth, and of the history of the church being established. Jesus will return and He will establish His eternal Kingdom.
Look closely at what it means to seek something. It takes effort, an earnest desire to attempt to gain knowledge or reach a goal. Consider the lengths you will go to pursue an interest you have. Time, energy, resources, focus, planning, and thought are poured into those things that matter to us. It also takes diligence and commitment. If I am committed to feeding my body each day yet lack the commitment to feed my soul, what does this say about my priorities or what is most important to me?
What occupies most of your time? Are you intent on growing in your understanding and knowledge of your Savior?
As mentioned earlier, we have the great advantage of God’s completed written word. Jesus Christ has come as foretold, He suffered, died, and ascended into heaven. We are now looking towards His future return and eternal kingdom. Read the following account of Jesus’ ascension into heaven and the foretelling of His future return.
Acts 1:9-11 And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was departing, behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them; and they also said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven."
The Old Testament saints were anticipating the coming of their Messiah.
Isaiah 9:6 For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
We anticipate His return. Christ will come again.
Revelation 1:7-8 BEHOLD, HE IS COMING WITH THE CLOUDS, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him. Even so. Amen. "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty."
We have information – the certain prediction of Jesus coming back to earth, of setting up His kingdom, which if you are saved, you will be a part. Peter was able to write of the hope of our salvation because men were willing to speak about it.
Do others know what you believe?
