1 Peter 1:10-16
10 “As to this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that would come to you made careful searches and inquiries,11 seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow. 12 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things into which angels long to look.13 Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, set your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, 15 but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; 16 because it is written: “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”
Searches and inquiries: The prophets from the Old Testament who prophesied of the grace to come were seeking wisdom from the Holy Spirit to know the details of God’s plan of redemption. They sought to know when the Savior would arrive and precisely how this Gospel would impact people. There were glimpses of the New Covenant in the Old Testament (see Ezekiel 36:26-27; Jeremiah 31:31-34), but not until the death of Jesus did the New Covenant become a reality (Luke 22:20).
Spirit of Christ within: Most believe, based on the big picture of Scripture, that the Spirit of Christ came upon Old Testament saints but did not live in them permanently. Not until Pentecost did the Spirit of God dwell permanently within believers. Therefore, what Peter is likely talking about is not a permanent indwelling in the Old Testament, but a temporary dwelling or anointing. The preposition within can be translated as both in or on. It makes sense, therefore, that in the Old Testament the Spirit of Christ was on people but not indwelling.
Not serving themselves: The prophets were announcing that which was fulfilled in Christ. The prophets spoke of the New Covenant, something so beautiful that angels long to look at it. Thus, there was an immense amount of anticipation both with the prophets and the heavenly beings for the unleashing of God’s grace upon the world.
Completely on the grace: Grace is not simply a special movement of God. It is the movement of God. Grace is not merely about being saved; it is by grace that we live as saved individuals. It doesn’t matter what book of the Bible we study. Each book is pointing us to Jesus Christ and nothing else. This is what Christians are to focus on. We are to not return to our lifestyles pre-Christ. Instead, we are to live from Christ by focusing on grace.
Be holy: The word holy is used primarily in two different ways. First, it speaks of believers as people. All believers are holy. We have all been sanctified and set apart at faith in Christ. But here, Peter has in mind a second use of the term. Christians are to be holy in behavior because we have been saved and equipped to live righteously.
