The Spirit of Christ 1 Peter 1:11

As Peter continued his letter to the Christians who were "scattered abroad" he told them the salvation they enjoyed was inquired and searched for by "the prophets" who prophesied of this "grace" before they experienced for themselves. In chapter one and verse eleven of his letter, Peter shared more about the prophets desires as he wrote concerning "the Spirit of God" and “the sufferings of Christ” where we read:

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.

The verse begins, "Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify". Peter began with the words, “searching what" or "examining or seeking to, for, towards and among", "or what manner" which means "what sort or way" "or time" which refers to "due measure or measure of time" "the Spirit" which refers to "the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son" "of Christ" or “the anointed One and the Messiah who is the Son of God” "which was in them" or "by, with and among the prophets" "did signify" or "make manifest, known and understood". The prophets were seeking to discover the timing and significance of “the Spirit of Christ” which was within them.

The verse goes on to say, "when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow." Peter began with the phrase, "when it testified beforehand" which means "antetestor, make known in advance or predict" "the sufferings" which means “that which one suffers both externally and internally, an affliction or enduring passion” "of Christ" or “the anointed One and the Messiah who is the Son of God”, "and the glory" or "opinion, judgment, view and estimate" "that should follow" which is the Greek phrase “meta tauta” and means "after this or after these things". Peter knew the prophets had “testimony” that Jesus Christ would suffer first and then be glorified.

When we meditate upon these words of Peter, we can almost picture the mental fog that was within the prophets concerning the crucifixion and subsequent resurrection of Jesus Christ. They knew within themselves concerning “the Spirit of Christ”, however they were not certain of that which they felt inside themselves. We have the advantage of knowing what Jesus did for us as He died upon the cross and was raised from the dead three days later. This provision for our salvation was what the prophets desired to know, but it was preserved for us today. As we think on these things, let us rejoice in the blessing the Heavenly Father has bestowed upon us that was previously hidden from some of the greatest prophets who ever lived.

Next time Peter shares how this revelation was not to the prophets but “unto us”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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