The verse in question, 1 Peter 1:12, says “It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.” (ESV)
This verse comes in the context of Peter writing to believers who were facing various trials and encouraging them to stand firm in their faith. In chapter 1, he reminds them of their salvation and inheritance kept in heaven for them. He then explains how the prophets of old, though they prophesied accurately about the coming grace through Christ, did not fully understand all that they were prophesying. Even angels, who are glorious spiritual beings created by God, long to fully understand the things that have now been announced to believers through the preaching of the gospel.
So what does it mean that angels long to look into these things?
- It emphasizes the greatness and value of the gospel message. If even angels earnestly desire to comprehend it fully, it must be infinitely precious.
- It displays the mystery of the gospel. Even angels cannot grasp it entirely. It is profound and deep beyond what any created being can fully comprehend.
- It shows that the gospel is worthy of lifelong study. If angels continue seeking greater understanding, how much more should believers meditate on and grasp the wonders of the good news?
- It highlights the unique revelation given to believers. Angels learn indirectly by observing God’s interactions with His people. But believers have the incredible privilege of direct revelation through the Spirit.
- It encourages reverence and awe. The gospel should be approached humbly and joyfully, amazed that God has opened eyes previously blind to see His glory in Christ.
- It gives perspective on spiritual realities. The gospel is no mere human teaching – it involves weighty spiritual affairs that occupy angels and has eternal significance.
In summary, the fact that angels long to look into the things now revealed in the gospel reminds believers not to take these spiritual realities for granted. It calls for a posture of wonder, worship, reverence and continual seeking to understand more of the infinite riches found in God’s redemptive plan made possible through Jesus Christ.
The Nature of Angels
To fully understand what Peter means, it is helpful to consider the nature and role of angels as described in the Bible:
- Angels are spiritual beings created by God (Colossians 1:16). They are not physical nor human, but ministering spirits (Hebrews 1:14).
- They have intellect, emotions and will, though limited compared to God’s (1 Peter 1:12; Luke 15:10; Revelation 12:7-9).
- They were present at creation and shouted for joy (Job 38:4-7).
- They worship and serve God continually (Psalm 148:1-2; Hebrews 1:6-7).
- They bring God’s messages, protect and minister to believers (Luke 1:26-38; Acts 12:7-10; Hebrews 1:14).
So angels are glorious beings who enjoy intimate access to God. Yet they are still finite and dependent on God’s revelation to learn of His ways and plans. The mysteries of the gospel and unfolding of God’s redemptive purpose through Christ amazes even angels who ceaselessly worship God!
What the Angels Long to Know
The gospel message announced to believers is what angels “long to look into” according to 1 Peter 1:12. What specifically about the gospel captivates angelic interest?
- God’s grace and plan of redemption (Ephesians 3:8-10) – Angels caught glimpses through Old Testament prophecies but could not fully grasp this mystery until revealed in Christ.
- The person and work of Christ – His incarnation, teachings, miracles, death, resurrection, ascension and role as Savior/Lord.
- The sending of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and His ongoing work in believers’ lives.
- The salvation of sinners across all nations – how God draws unbelievers to saving faith and transforms them.
- The glory that awaits believers in heaven and full restoration of all things in the new creation.
- The future defeat of Satan, evil and all God’s enemies when Christ returns.
This is certainly not an exhaustive list, but highlights key aspects of the good news that angels long to see unfold. Though they are not the recipients of salvation, they rejoice over each sinner who repents (Luke 15:10). The angels’ example calls believers to be students of the gospel every day, longing to see more of Christ.
Parallels to Believers’ Desire to Understand the Gospel
Like angels, believers should have a deep longing to look into the glories of the gospel revealed in Scripture. As angels never tire gazing on God’s face, likewise believers can spend an eternity exploring the depths of Christ through the gospel and still never plumb the bottom:
- Paul desired to know Christ above all else (Philippians 3:8-10). Throughout his life, growth in understanding Christ motivated all he did.
- Peter linked growing in the grace and knowledge of Christ with effectiveness and fruitfulness (2 Peter 3:18).
- The psalmists meditated on God’s Word day and night to gain understanding (Psalm 119:97-104; 1:1-3).
- Moses prayed to see more of God’s glory (Exodus 33:12-23). A glimpse left his own face radiant (Exodus 34:29-35).
- The early church devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching on Christ (Acts 2:42). Their depth of faith spread the gospel.
Believers today must guard against complacency or a sense that we have “mastered” the basics of the gospel. There are always deeper truths about God’s redemptive plan to explore. Like the angels, the wonder of what God has accomplished in Christ should lead to ceaseless praise and seeking greater understanding.
How Believers Can Develop This Sense of Awe
How can present-day Christians recapture the wonder and hunger to look more deeply into the gospel like the angels do? Consider these suggestions:
- Pray for eyes to see and a mind to comprehend the immensity of God’s grace (Ephesians 1:15-19).
- Study the gospel accounts frequently to see afresh details of Christ’s life and teachings.
- Meditate often on the mysterious glory of the incarnation – God in flesh bringing salvation.
- Examine verses that highlight the cosmic significance of Christ’s death and resurrection.
- Set aside time to reflect on the billions whose eternal destiny was changed by Christ’s sacrifice.
- Serve fellow believers and non-Christians in Gospel-motivated mercy ministries.
- Ask pastors and mature believers for book, article, and audio recommendations that give fresh perspectives on the gospel.
- Participate in a church that preaches the gospel with creativity, clarity, and conviction.
Angels should motivate believers to recover our sense of wonder over God’s amazing grace. While we may grasp the basics of the gospel, we have only touched the surface of all that God has accomplished in Christ. There is always more to explore of these inexhaustible spiritual realities!
Practical Implications of Longing to Look into the Gospel
What difference does it make to recover this sense of awe and longing regarding the gospel? Consider a few key implications:
- Worship – Greater glimpses of the gospel lead to deeper awe and praise of God for His wisdom, love and mercy.
- Holiness – Seeing more of Christ promotes being transformed into His image with the Spirit’s help.
- Love – Comprehending the lengths God went to save sinners motivates us to love others sacrificially.
- Perseverance – A fresh grasp of the glory awaiting believers strengthens endurance in suffering.
- Evangelism – Understanding the gospel’s power gives boldness to proclaim Christ to unbelievers.
- Service – The cosmic impact of Christ’s redemption spurs engagement in Kingdom work.
- Learning – Hunger for the gospel makes us lifelong students of Scripture’s treasures.
Looking into the gospel like the angels produces awe, which leads to life transformation. By God’s grace may we recover this passionate hunger to see and savor more of Christ each day!