FocusFaith tried amid suffering
Connection to the wholeThe resurrection hope frames the readers' present trials and the preciousness of the salvation proclaimed to them.
interpretation 1 Peter 1:12
KJVUnto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.
Read it in context
The Nature of Christian Salvation and Hope
Start reading at 1 Peter 1:1 (1 Peter 1:1 to 1 Peter 1:12).
The passage 1 Peter 1:1-12 forms the salutation and initial thanksgiving/blessing, establishing the foundation of Christian hope and salvation before moving into exhortations. The specific unit on the nature of salvation begins at verse 3, but for broader context, starting at the chapter's beginning is recommended as it is within two verses of the unit's start.
- 1:1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,
- 1:2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.
- 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
- 1:4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
- 1:5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
- 1:6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:
- 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
- 1:8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
- 1:9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
- 1:10 Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:
- 1:11 Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.
- 1:12 Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Peter the apostle is the named author. Silvanus is associated with the letter's delivery or composition in the closing statement; his precise role is not fully explained. Biblical references: 1 Peter 1:1; 1 Peter 5:12. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (1 Peter 1:1–2:25): Peter addresses scattered believers in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia about identity, holiness, and conduct among outsiders; servants receive specific instruction. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The elect strangers scattered through Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia: Christian communities facing suffering in Asia Minor. Biblical references: 1 Peter 1:1; 1 Peter 4:12. stated in the text
What
- What is the main event or theme of the verse? The main theme is the revelation of salvation through Christ, which was foretold by Old Testament prophets not for their own time but for future generations, and is now proclaimed by apostles and evangelists through the Holy Spirit. This profound truth is so significant that even angels desire to understand it more fully.
- What is God revealing? God revealed to the Old Testament prophets that the salvation they diligently enquired about and prophesied concerning the grace that would come, including the sufferings of Christ and the glory that would follow, was not primarily for their own benefit but for the generation of believers in Peter's time. This revelation is now being reported through the preaching of the gospel by the Holy Ghost.
- What is the literary style? The literary style is epistolary, as it is a letter written to a specific audience. It is also didactic, conveying teaching and instruction regarding Christian faith and life.
When
- When was it written? The epistle was written approximately between A.D. 62 and 64.
- When does the event (in 1 Peter 1:12) take place? The revelation to the prophets occurred in the Old Testament era. The preaching of the gospel by those with the Holy Ghost took place in Peter's present time, following the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The angels' desire to look into these things is an ongoing reality.
Where
- Where did it happen (the events described)? The prophets prophesied in various locations in ancient Israel. The gospel was preached to believers scattered throughout the regions of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia in Asia Minor.
- Where was the author located? The author, Peter, was located in Rome, which he refers to as Babylon.
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The Nature of Christian Salvation and Hope (1 Peter 1:3 to 1 Peter 1:12). Start reading at 1 Peter 1:1. The passage 1 Peter 1:1-12 forms the salutation and initial thanksgiving/blessing, establishing the foundation of Christian hope and salvation before moving into exhortations. The specific unit on the nature of salvation begins at verse 3, but for broader context, starting at the chapter's beginning is recommended as it is within two verses of the unit's start.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? This verse concludes Peter's initial exposition on the glorious nature of Christian salvation, emphasizing its divine origin, its foretelling by Old Testament prophets, and its present proclamation through the Holy Spirit. It highlights the profound significance and value of this salvation, setting the stage for the subsequent exhortations to holy living and steadfast faith. interpretation
- How does it point to Christ? The verse directly points to Christ by referring to the prophets who 'testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow' (1 Peter 1:11). The 'things' ministered by the prophets and preached by the apostles are centered on Christ's redemptive work, which was 'foreordained before the foundation of the world' (1 Peter 1:20). The gospel preached is the good news concerning Jesus Christ and the salvation He accomplished. interpretation
- How do I apply it today? Today, believers are the beneficiaries of this same salvation, foretold by prophets and preached by apostles through the Holy Spirit. This should inspire profound gratitude for the gospel, a diligent pursuit of understanding these truths, and a commitment to live holy lives in response to such a great salvation. It reminds us that the spiritual realities we experience are so profound that even angels marvel at them, encouraging us to value and live out our faith with reverence and joy. interpretation
Cited: 1 Peter 1:1, 1 Peter 1:10, 1 Peter 1:11, 1 Peter 1:12, 1 Peter 1:13, 1 Peter 1:16, 1 Peter 1:20
Who wrote it, and how we know
Peter the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe letter names Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, and mentions Silvanus as the one who wrote it.
1 Peter 1:11 Peter 5:12
Early traditionUniform early tradition names Peter.
What is debatedSome critical scholars question the polished Greek, though the letter itself credits Silvanus.
Related passages
- it Isa 53:1 Dan 2:19,22,28-29,47 Dan 10:1 Amos 3:7 Matt 11:25,27 Matt 16:17 Luke 2:26 Rom 1:17
- that not Dan 9:24 Dan 12:9,13 Heb 11:13,39-40
- that have Mark 16:15 Luke 9:6 Acts 8:25 Acts 16:10 Rom 1:15 Rom 10:15 Rom 15:19 1 Thess 2:9
- with John 15:26 John 16:7-15 Acts 2:4,33 Acts 4:8,31 Acts 10:44 2 Cor 1:22 2 Cor 6:6 1 Thess 1:5-6
- sent Prov 1:23 Isa 11:2-6 Isa 32:15 Isa 44:3-5 Joel 2:28 Zech 12:10 John 15:26 Acts 2:17-18
- which things Exod 25:20 Dan 8:13 Dan 12:5-6 Luke 15:10 Eph 3:10 Rev 5:11
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
1 Peter 1
Peter addresses scattered believers in the regions named in the opening. Their hope in Jesus' resurrection is joined to holiness, honourable conduct, and endurance in suffering; the letter does not treat suffering as proof that God has abandoned them.
1 Peter 1:1 1 Peter 1:3 1 Peter 1:15
Be holy and fear God
1 Peter 1:13–21FocusHope expressed in conduct
Connection to the wholePeter draws an ethical conclusion from the hope, grounding reverent holiness in the costly redemption through Christ.
interpretation Love one another fervently
1 Peter 1:22–25FocusObedience and the enduring word
Connection to the wholeThe appeal to sincere love is linked to purification through obeying the truth and new birth through God's enduring word.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
1 Peter
Peter addresses scattered believers in the regions named in the opening. Their hope in Jesus' resurrection is joined to holiness, honourable conduct, and endurance in suffering; the letter does not treat suffering as proof that God has abandoned them.
1 Peter 1:1 1 Peter 1:3 1 Peter 1:15
FocusResurrection and salvation
Connection to the wholeThanksgiving places the readers' present trials within their hope and the salvation announced to them.
interpretation A holy and built-together people
1 Peter 1:13–2:10FocusNew birth, obedience, and identity
Connection to the wholeThe hope leads into holiness, love, and the image of believers coming to Christ as living stones.
interpretation Honourable conduct
1 Peter 2:11–3:12FocusLife among others and within households
Connection to the wholePeter applies the calling to public conduct, service, marriage, and the community's manner toward one another.
interpretation Suffering with faithfulness
1 Peter 3:13–4:19FocusChrist's example and God's judgment
Connection to the wholeThe letter addresses opposition by directing believers toward Christ and toward continued doing of good under trial.
interpretation Shepherding and steadfastness
1 Peter 5:1–14FocusHumility, vigilance, and grace
Connection to the wholeFinal instructions to elders and the church join mutual humility with watchfulness and steadfast resistance to the adversary.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.