1 Peter 1:10

¶ Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace [that should come] unto you:

Of {G4012} which {G3739} salvation {G4991} the prophets {G4396} have enquired {G1567} and {G2532} searched diligently {G1830}, who {G3588} prophesied {G4395} of {G4012} the grace {G5485} that should come unto {G1519} you {G5209}:

The prophets, who prophesied about this gift of deliverance that was meant for you, pondered and inquired diligently about it.

Concerning this salvation, the prophets who foretold the grace to come to you searched and investigated carefully,

Concerning which salvation the prophets sought and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:

1 Peter 1:10 serves as a powerful bridge, connecting the prophetic anticipations of the Old Testament with the realized salvation of the New Testament era. It emphasizes the profound depth of God's redemptive plan, a plan so significant that even the prophets of old diligently sought to understand its unfolding.

Context

This verse follows Peter's glorious declaration of the believer's "lively hope" through the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the "salvation ready to be revealed in the last time" (1 Peter 1:5). Peter then highlights that this very salvation, which New Testament believers now possess, was the subject of intense inquiry and foretelling by the ancient prophets. It underscores the continuity of God's work throughout history, showing that the grace experienced by Christians today was not an accident but a divinely orchestrated fulfillment of long-standing prophecies.

Key Themes

  • Divine Continuity and Fulfillment: The verse powerfully illustrates that God's plan of salvation is coherent and continuous across the ages. What was foretold in the Old Testament finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the New Covenant era. This speaks to God's unchanging nature and His faithfulness to His promises.
  • The Prophets' Diligence and Anticipation: Old Testament prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Daniel were not mere mouthpieces; they actively "enquired and searched diligently" into the meaning, timing, and nature of the revelations they received. They prophesied concerning a future "grace" that would come, even though they themselves did not fully experience its benefits or comprehend its full scope. Their earnest seeking highlights the profound significance of the coming Messiah.
  • The Era of Grace: The "grace that should come unto you" refers to the New Covenant, ushered in by Jesus Christ. This era is characterized by salvation as a free gift, received through faith, rather than through adherence to the Law. Believers now live in the fulfillment of what the prophets only dimly perceived but eagerly awaited.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "enquired and searched diligently" is a strong translation of two Greek verbs used together: ekzēteō (ἐκζητέω) and exeraunaō (ἐξεραυνάω). Ekzēteō means "to seek out, to investigate," implying a thorough search. Exeraunaō means "to search out, examine carefully, investigate thoroughly," often used in the context of mining or meticulous research. The combination emphasizes the deep, earnest, and painstaking effort the prophets put into understanding the divine prophecies they delivered, even though the full revelation was reserved for a later time.

Related Scriptures

The concept of prophets seeking to understand God's future plans is seen elsewhere in scripture. For example, the prophet Daniel sought clarification on his own visions (Daniel 12:8). Jesus Himself affirmed that all the Old Testament scriptures spoke of Him (Luke 24:44). Paul also highlights that the "mystery of Christ," now revealed to believers, was not fully made known to previous generations (Ephesians 3:5).

Practical Application

This verse invites believers to a deeper appreciation for the immense privilege of living in the age of fulfillment. The salvation we experience was the central focus of prophecy and diligent searching for centuries. This understanding should foster profound gratitude for God's grace and inspire us to live lives that honor such a profound and costly redemption. It reminds us that our faith is rooted in God's eternal plan, providing assurance and stability in a changing world, knowing that His promises are always true.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Matthew 13:17

    For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous [men] 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].

  • Luke 10:24

    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].

  • Luke 24:25

    Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:

  • Luke 24:27

    And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.

  • Daniel 2:44

    And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, [but] it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.

  • Acts 7:52

    Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:

  • John 5:39

    Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
← Back