2:2 sincere. That is, “pure.”

2:2 of the word. “Of the word” here is one word, logikos in the Greek, translated “reasonable” in its only other occurrence (Romans 12:1). As babes need milk for food to begin physical growth, so babes in Christ need “pure, reasonable [or logical] spiritual milk” if they are to grow spiritually, and this is only to be obtained from God’s Word. They were “born again” through the Word (I Peter 1:23), and now must grow through the Word. As they grow, however, they must soon begin also to partake of the “strong meat” of the “word of righteousness” (Hebrews 5:12-14).

2:3 If so be. This little phrase (Greek ei per) occurs four times in Scripture, seemingly expressing certain conditions, but actually leading to great assurances. See also Romans 8:9, 17; and I Corinthians 15:15.