Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 Peter 1:12

"To whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto you, did they minister these things, which now have been announced unto you through them that preached the gospel unto you by the Holy Spirit sent forth from heaven; which things angel desire to look into." — 1 Peter 1:12 (ASV)

Through revelation the prophets learned that some of their utterances related to future generations. Their writings contain both “near” and “far” aspects. Yet the prophets were often unable to understand the time significance of their prophecies or to understand fully the relation of the sufferings of the Messiah to his glory. The word translated “serving” (GK 1354) is significant, for it points to the fact that the writings of the OT are of service to the new community—the church. The unity of the OT and NT writings centers in Christ and his salvation. This message of salvation has come to humanity through people under the power of the Holy Spirit, who has come from heaven.

The last statement of v.12 is especially significant—“even angels long to look into these things.” The Scriptures reveal that the angels have intense interest in human salvation. They observed Jesus in his early life (1 Timothy 3:16); they rejoice at the conversion of a sinner ; they will rejoice in songs of praise at the completion of redemption (Revelation 5:11–14). The expression to “long [GK 2121] to look” means “to stoop over to look” (cf. Lk 24:12; Jn 20:5, 11; James 1:25). It implies a willingness to exert or inconvenience oneself to obtain a better perspective. The specific tense used means continuous regard rather than a quick look. The Bible says nothing about salvation for angels. On the contrary, they learn about it from the church (Ephesians 3:10); and they serve the church (Hebrews 1:14).