Do Angels Understand Salvation?

One interesting verse we can look to on this topic is in 1 Peter: “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,” (1 Peter 1:12 NASB1995). The verse says near the end “things into which angels long to look” which indicates their interest in the topic (Crossway 2406).

As one commentary explains: “All that is necessarily implied in the language is, that the angels had an intense desire to look into these things; that they contemplated them with interest and fixed attention, like one who comes near to an object, and looks narrowly upon it. In illustration of this sentiment, we may make the following suggestions,” (Barnes).

It must be noted that angels in no way participate in salvation, as Jesus did not die for angels but for mankind (1 Timothy 2:5-6). They find interest but can not partake in this act. Angels can fall into sin as the Devil did (Isaiah 14:12) or stay in his glory (Isaiah 6:1-3). It seems that angels are spectators. They see people becoming saved and may even help some achieve salvation such as in Acts 8.

References:

Barnes' Notes on the New Testament. United Kingdom, Kregel Publications, 1962.

ESV Study Bible. United States, Crossway, 2008

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