Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:
The magnitude of this "salvation" is proved by the earnestness with which "prophets," and even "angels," searched into it. From the beginning of the world it has been testified to by the Holy Spirit.
Prophets - "(the) prophets" generally (including the Old Testament inspired authors).
Enquired, х exezeeteesan (G1567)] - perseveringly. Much more is manifested to us than by diligent inquiry the prophets attained. Still, it is not said they searched after, but 'concerning х peri (G4012)] it. They were already certain of redemption coming. They did not see, but desired to see, the same Christ whom we fully see in spirit. 'As Simeon was anxiously desiring, and found peace only when he saw Christ, so the Old Testament saints only saw Christ hidden, and as it were absent-not in power and grace, but not yet manifested in the flesh' (Calvin). The prophets, as private individuals, had to reflect on the far-reaching sense of their own prophecies. Their words, in their public function, were not so much their own as the Spirit's, speaking by and in them: thus Caiaphas, John 11:49-52 - a testimony to verbal inspiration. The words of the inspired authors are God's, expressing the mind of the Spirit; the writers themselves searched into the words, to fathom the precious meaning, even as believing readers did. "Searched" х exeerauneesan (G1830)] implies they had determinate marks to go by.
The grace (that should come) unto you - that of the New Testament; an earnest of "the grace" of perfected "salvation" 'to be brought at the (second) revelation of Christ.' Old Testament believers also possessed the grace of God; but it was as children in their nonage, so as to be like servants; we enjoy the full privilege of adult sons.