who have tasted the goodness of the word of God: These people heard God's word preached (Hebrews 2:3–4; 4:1–2) and saw its impact.
the powers of the coming age: They witnessed signs and wonders when they heard the good news (2:4; compare Exodus 7:3–4; Deuteronomy 7:19; Psalms 66:3; 77:15–20; 78:9–16; 1 Corinthians 10:1–13).