Meaning of 1 Peter 2:3

This verse, 1 Peter 2:3, speaks to the experiential reality of God's goodness, implying that believers have encountered and received it in a profound way. The "tasting" is not merely intellectual assent but a visceral, personal apprehension of the Lord's character and salvific work. It follows the exhortation in the preceding verses to "put away all malice, all guile, all hypocrisy, all envy, and all slander" (1 Peter 2:1), suggesting that this tasting is the catalyst for spiritual growth and a purified life, enabling believers to "crave the pure spiritual milk" (1 Peter 2:2) and thus grow in their salvation.

Context and Background

First Peter was written by the Apostle Peter to Christians who were scattered throughout Asia Minor, facing persecution and societal pressure. The letter aims to encourage them in their faith, reminding them of their identity in Christ and their hope for the future. Chapter 2, where this verse is found, transitions from the spiritual house of God (the church) to the believers' conduct within the world. The immediate context is the call to shed sinful attitudes and desires, preparing them to receive and grow from the "pure spiritual milk" of God's Word, which is only truly appreciated and craved by those who have already experienced the goodness of the Lord.

Key Themes and Messages

The central theme is the experiential knowledge of God's goodness. This is not an abstract concept but a tasted reality. The verb "tasted" (Greek: geusamenoi) suggests an active, personal engagement with the Lord's nature and provision. This tasting is the foundation for spiritual nourishment and growth. It implies that God's goodness is not merely a doctrine to be believed but a divine quality to be apprehended and enjoyed. The verse also underscores the transformative power of encountering God's goodness, leading to a desire for further spiritual sustenance.

Spiritual Significance and Application

The spiritual significance lies in the understanding that our faith is rooted in an encounter with God's inherent goodness. This encounter is the impetus for obedience and the desire for deeper spiritual understanding. For the believer, this verse calls for a continuous remembrance and appreciation of God's kindness, grace, and mercy, which should fuel a longing for His Word and a life lived in accordance with His will. It encourages believers to actively seek out and savor the Lord's presence and provisions, recognizing that this sustained experience is essential for spiritual vitality and resilience.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This verse aligns with the overarching biblical narrative of God's redemptive love and grace. From the initial goodness of creation to the ultimate act of salvation through Jesus Christ, God's goodness is the consistent thread. The Old Testament prophets spoke of God's faithfulness and His desire for His people to know His goodness (e.g., Psalm 34:8: "Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!"). In the New Testament, Jesus Himself is the embodiment of God's goodness, offering Himself as the sacrifice for humanity. The early church, as described in Acts, experienced and testified to the goodness of God in their fellowship and ministry. Peter's exhortation is a call to continue in this tradition of experiencing and living out God's goodness.

Analogies

One analogy for "tasting that the Lord is good" is like a starving person being given a nutritious and delicious meal. Initially, they might be skeptical or unsure, but upon tasting it, they experience immediate satisfaction and a deep craving for more. Similarly, when individuals truly apprehend God's goodness through faith in Christ, their spiritual hunger is met, and they develop a profound desire for spiritual nourishment. Another analogy is a child experiencing the unconditional love and care of a parent. This positive experience forms the basis for trust and a desire to be close to the parent, leading to growth and security.

Relation to Other Verses

This verse is closely related to several other passages:

• Psalm 34:8: "Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!" This Old Testament psalm directly echoes the sentiment of experiencing God's goodness.
• John 6:35: Jesus states, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst." This highlights Jesus as the ultimate source of spiritual sustenance, which one "tastes" through belief.
• Hebrews 6:4-5: "For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of God in the good word of God and in the powers of the age to come..." This passage uses similar language of "tasting" to describe a profound experience of God's blessings and presence, though with a warning against apostasy.
• 1 Peter 2:2: As mentioned earlier, this verse directly follows the call to "crave pure spiritual milk," which is a consequence of having tasted the Lord's goodness.