Peter tells us these mighty and terrifying beings were extremely curious about one thing: how and in what time the Christ would come. No wonder it was an angel who delivered the news to Mary in Luke 1. No wonder the myriads of angels rejoiced before the shepherds in Luke 2. No wonder the angels rejoice in heaven about the Lamb who was slain in Revelation 5. Christian, you are so blessed. You were born into an age that the angels had to wait thousands of years to find out.
Biblical angels are nothing like the naked babies in art—these are terrifying beings, messengers of God who often begin with the words, “Do not be afraid.” They are strong, powerful, and mysterious, but even they have their limits. Angels are not all-knowing. Actually, God tells us in 1 Corinthians 6:3 that we will judge the angels. Angels may be extremely powerful, but they are not God.
The last part of 1 Peter 1:12 stopped me dead in my tracks a few weeks ago:
things which angels desire to look into.
The angels intensely desire to παρακυψαι (parakupsai), meaning they yearn to “bend over to look”—as if bending over or even crawling down on their faces just to catch a glimpse of God’s unfolding plan. The angels were intensely interested to know how and when the Christ would come, suffer, and be glorified.
But, that got me on a rabbit trail that I had not anticipated. Peter says the prophets were inquiring and searching carefully. Here’s where things get interesting. Repeatedly, the Bible puts the prophets in the same story as the angels. Here are just a few I found interesting. (Feel free to put in the comments more.)
- Moses and the burning bush. An angel was speaking to him (Exodus 3:2).