[10] Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, [11] inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. [12] It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look. (1 Peter 1:10-12 ESV)I believe here that Peter is expressing that his audience lives in a time of blessing. (I also think that this section furthers my proposition that the audience of this letter is jewish as he is talking here of the Old Testament prophets, which again are more significant to the jews of the time. )
Since the times of the prophets, Israel had been looking for Messiah; their hope was to see Messiah come and set them free- What they were in bondage to had changed many times over the years; Babylon, Persia, Rome- but the glory days of David and Solomon remained etched in their ancestral memories. This was so much the case that they expected Messiah to return and build an earthly kingdom for Israel once again. But Jesus came quietly and humbly, and established a church, not an empire.
Whether the prophets knew that this was the plan or not, they did know that the Messiah they spoke of was not one for the current generation- I interpret verse 12 to read that the prophets understood that Messiah would not come in their own lifetimes, but that their words were written for future generations, that they might recognize Messiah when he comes.
Peter then reveals that his audience is that generation that the prophets were speaking to; that they live in a time to be coveted- so much so that even the angels are jealous!
I always loved that phrase "things that the angels long to look." Even though this verse isn't fleshed out I think it speaks to that fact that Angels are curious about salvation as verse 10 says and possibly jealous as you said. But they would be interested specifically with forgiveness, because they know their "brethren" the demons will not receive any. They know people/humans will get the offer of the gospel while the demons do not have any chance of redemption. I think this may have to with the fact that they have already seen God in his glory and they are without excuse. It is interesting to think about for sure.
ReplyDeleteWow yeah, that is very interesting- I have thought about this before but it was a while ago. It is very interesting to imagine the life (or whatever you would call it) of an Angel- They have a perspective that we covet, seeing God work directly, and carrying out his orders even- But we are dearly prized by the Father even though we are mortal, even though we sin- It's perplexing- I confess, i spend more time thinking about the here and now, but I am excited that one day I will "fully know, even as i am fully known."
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