1 Peter 1:12

Revealed. Certain of the prophets understood that the fulfillment of some of the things revealed to them was yet future (see on Num. 24:17; Deut. 18:15; Dan. 10:14). Every prophet realized that the coming of the world’s Redeemer was yet future and that the ultimate solution to the problem of sin lay beyond his own day.

Unto us. Textual evidence attests (cf. p. 10) the reading “unto you,” that is, to Peter’s readers, or, in a wider sense, to all the Christians of Peter’s day.

Did minister. Or, “were serving.” The OT prophets, in addition to serving their own generation, also served the men of Peter’s day through the prophecies that had so recently been fulfilled in the ministry of Christ and were still finding fulfillment in the growth of the Christian church.

Reported. Gr. anaggello (see on Acts 20:20).

Preached the gospel. Gr. euaggelizomai (see on Acts 8:4). Peter does not identify those who took the gospel to the people of Asia Minor, neither does he disclose whether he was among their number.

With. Or, “by” or, possibly, “in connection with.”

Holy Ghost. Or, “Holy Spirit” (see on Matt. 1:18). The early preachers of the gospel were in close association with, and controlled by, the Holy Spirit. Peter apparently refers here to the manifestation of the Spirit at Pentecost (see on Acts 2:4), with the underlying thought that the preachers of the gospel proclaim a message fully in harmony with that of the prophets, for the same Spirit has controlled both.

Sent down from heaven. See on Acts 2:2.

Which things. That is, things that concern “salvation” (v. 10), “the sufferings of Christ,” “the glory” (v. 11), and “the gospel” (v. 12).

Angels. See on Heb. 1:14.

Desire. Gr. epithumed, “to set one’s heart upon [a thing]” (see on Matt. 5:28). Angels are intensely interested in the revelation of God’s character as exhibited in the salvation of mankind. Each manifestation of God’s love and justice from the creation of Adam to the present has been a source of wonder and gratification to the angels (see PP 155).

To look into. Gr. parakupto, “to stoop and look into,” from para, “by the side of,” and kupto, “to bend over,” “to stoop over.” Compare the same verb in Luke 24:12; John 20:4, 5, 11, where “the other disciple” and Mary are described as peering into Christ’s tomb from the outside. Here Peter possibly thinks of the angels as earnestly studying the unfolding plan of salvation. They are intently interested in the outcome of this drama because their own future peace is dependent upon the results of the great controversy between good and evil.