The Prophets' Inquiry refers to the earnest search and investigation by the Old Testament prophets into the mysteries of salvation and the coming of the Messiah. This concept is primarily drawn from 1 Peter 1:10-12, where the Apostle Peter highlights the diligent efforts of the prophets to understand the grace that was to come through Jesus Christ. The Berean Standard Bible states: "Concerning this salvation, the prophets who foretold the grace to come to you searched and investigated carefully, trying to determine the time and setting to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow" (1 Peter 1:10-11).

Role of the Prophets

The prophets served as God's messengers, delivering His word to the people of Israel and often to surrounding nations. They were divinely inspired to speak on behalf of God, addressing both immediate concerns and future events. Their messages frequently included calls to repentance, warnings of judgment, and promises of restoration. Central to their prophecies was the anticipation of a coming Messiah, a theme that permeates the Old Testament.

The Spirit of Christ in the Prophets

The "Spirit of Christ" mentioned in 1 Peter 1:11 indicates that the prophets were guided by the Holy Spirit, who revealed to them aspects of the Messiah's future ministry. This Spirit enabled them to prophesy about the sufferings and subsequent glories of Christ, even though they did not fully comprehend the specifics of these revelations. The prophets were aware that they were serving a purpose beyond their own time, as they were laying the groundwork for the salvation that would be fully revealed in the New Testament era.

The Sufferings and Glories of Christ

The prophets foresaw both the sufferings and the glories of the Messiah. Isaiah 53 is a quintessential example, vividly describing the suffering servant who would bear the sins of many. Similarly, Psalm 22 provides a prophetic glimpse into the anguish of the crucifixion. Yet, alongside these sufferings, the prophets also spoke of the Messiah's triumph and eternal reign, as seen in passages like Isaiah 9:6-7 and Daniel 7:13-14.

The Prophets' Limited Understanding

Despite their profound insights, the prophets did not have a complete understanding of the timing or the full nature of the events they foretold. They were aware that their prophecies were part of a larger divine plan, one that would unfold in God's perfect timing. This limitation is acknowledged in 1 Peter 1:12, which states: "It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been announced to you by those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things into which angels long to look" .

The Fulfillment in Christ

The New Testament reveals the fulfillment of the prophets' inquiries in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Gospels and the epistles frequently reference Old Testament prophecies, demonstrating how Jesus' life, death, and resurrection were the culmination of God's redemptive plan. The prophets' diligent search and inquiry underscore the continuity of Scripture and the unfolding of God's salvation history, which finds its ultimate expression in Christ.