Peter is writing to scattered Jewish believers who are feeling the strain of persecution. He encourages them by referencing thee experience of salvation both now by faith and ultimately at the appearing of Christ.
This salvation is firmly anchored in the past. It is that which has been revealed through the prophets of old and was the means of sustaining them as they faced similar opposition.
The example of the prophets is cited as a means of encouragement but also as a reason to follow their example and think biblically about their present condition. He urges upon them the careful, sober minded study of the Scriptures. In this way they will be able to endure until the day of Christ’s appearing.
I THE PROPHETS EXAMINED THEIR OWN INSPIRED WRITINGS.
1. The material they examined, v11. They studied the material that the Holy Ghost had inspired them to write. Cp 2Pet 1:21.
2. Theme. The them of those writings was their object of study.
Grace. The simple message of God’s word is a revelation of God’s grace to mankind. Every part of Scripture reveals this concept.
The sufferings and glory of Christ. Central to the message of Divine grace is the Saviour’s work. A double division of His work is seen here. The necessity and ultimate success of that suffering is inferred.
3. The manner of this study.
Prophets. The fact that it was a study carried on by the prophets themselves is instructive. Clearly, their desire was for more than a mechanical, intellectual experience of the words they had written. Such study was obviously key to their ministry as preachers.
Inquiry. They ‘searched out, investigated’ the Scriptures.
Searched diligently, v10, 11. The same root appears twice but is strengthened in v11, hence the word diligently is used. The spirit of diligent investigation marked their labours.
II A SPECIFIC PURPOSE.
Two simple goals motivated this study. These two things lie at the very heart of proper Bible study. There is nothing more vital/critical than dealing with these things.
1. To know what the Spirit had revealed. This is simply the desire to get at the meaning of the words. What exactly was the Spirit saying/meaning. There was a desire to be clear about the meaning of the words. This can only be determined by an exclusively scriptural approach. Cp 2Pet 1:20.
2. To know when these words would be fulfilled. There is a chronological component to the words of Scripture. It is important to consider the time when the words were spoken but vital to know when it is the mind of God to fulfill those words and to have them applied. There is always a present application of God’s word. The word the prophets spoke about the future had present application in their own time. Their words from the past continue to have present application. Cp Rom 15:4, 2Cor 10:11. Interpretation and application are two matters that must not be confused.
3. Study necessary. Such personal study as the prophets invested in the Scriptures is the only means by which we can determine these two things. The Holy Spirit did not communicate these things without this work on their part!
III A PROFITABLE STUDY.
1. Revealed. They obtained what they sought. They did so by revelation! The Lord caused them to see in the Scriptures what they diligently sought there. The study is vital but mechanical study will never be enough. Cp Jn 16:13.
2. Future fulfillment. The prophets learned that there would be a future fulfillment of the words they wrote and preached. There were certain things they were warranted not to look for in their own time but to expect in the future, all the while looking to it by faith.
3. Freshly applied. What the prophets wrote, saw and taught is freshly applied by the ministry of the Spirit through the Apostles. The message of grace has not changed! It still centres on a suffering Saviour who has now come and has entered into His glory but which is yet to climax.