Verse of the Day for Wednesday, March 20, 2024

 

Verse of the Day
Wednesday, March 20, 2024

1 Peter 2:2-3

Like newborn infants, long for the pure, spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow into salvation—if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.

1 Peter 2:2-3 is a portion of a letter traditionally attributed to Saint Peter, one of Jesus Christ's Apostles. This letter is addressed to the early Christian communities scattered throughout Asia Minor (present-day Turkey). These verses are a part of a larger section where Peter encourages believers in their spiritual growth and development.

Metaphor of Newborn Infants: The imagery of newborn infants vividly portrays the believers’ need for spiritual nourishment. Just as infants instinctively desire milk to grow and thrive physically, Peter exhorts Christians to crave spiritual sustenance. This 'pure, spiritual milk' symbolizes the teachings and truths of the Christian faith. The emphasis is on purity and simplicity, suggesting that the most fundamental aspects of faith are both essential and life-sustaining.

Growth into Salvation: The phrase "grow into salvation" implies a dynamic, ongoing process. Salvation in Christian theology is often understood in three tenses: past (justification), present (sanctification), and future (glorification). Peter’s exhortation suggests that spiritual growth is an essential aspect of the Christian journey. It is not merely about the initial acceptance of faith but involves a continual process of becoming more like Christ.

Experience of God’s Goodness: The conditional phrase “if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good” introduces an experiential dimension to faith. It alludes to Psalm 34:8, which invites people to experience God’s goodness. This experiential knowledge of God's character is foundational for the longing for spiritual growth. It implies that the desire for spiritual nourishment is a natural response for those who have truly experienced the goodness and graciousness of God.

In summary, 1 Peter 2:2-3 uses the compelling image of newborn infants craving milk to illustrate the believer's need for spiritual growth and nourishment. This passage highlights the importance of continual growth in faith, sustained by a deep, experiential knowledge of God's goodness. It serves as an encouragement for believers to persistently seek spiritual depth and maturity in their Christian journey.

The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM.
Click on the image to reveal the meaning and insights of this verse…