"순전하고 신령한 젖"(λογικὸν ἄδολον γάλα)의 재해석(벧전 2:1-3)

Reinterpretation of "pure spiritual milk"(λογικὸν ἄδολον γάλα)(1 Peter 2:1-3)

The purpose of this article is the reinterpretation of "pure spiritual milk" in 1 Peter 2:1-3. According to the traditional view, "pure spiritual milk" is a metaphor of the word of God. However, current scholarship does not supported this view anymore. The reason is that the Greek words 'ἄδολον γάλα' were not used to the Christian literature at that time. Therefore, some scholars suggested that "pure spiritual milk" is a new life style of Jesus' doctrine teachings, the teaching of Apostles, and ethical maturity. These kinds of suggestions are very useful to interpret the meaning of "pure spiritual milk". Nevertheless, there is still not clear understanding of the meaning. Hence, this paper suggest that "pure spiritual milk" is a metaphor and it's meaning implies Jesus' physical suffering. This will be proved through the background of history and culture from the narrative of 1 Peter. Applying the historical and cultural perspective on the text of 1 Peter shows us these special things as below. The composition of 1 Peter's community was a mixed state of old members and some new members who received baptism currently. The situation of the community was under persecution. The reason of the persecution was that the recipient of 1 Peter was not assimilated with the religion and cultural events of the local society. This is found through the content of Jesus' physical suffering implied in 1 Peter which has the background of the situation of the persecution. Therefore, it is interpreted that the requirement of ethical holiness in the text of 1 Peter 2:1-3 means by yearning Jesus' suffering overcome the persecution of the anti-Christian society. Today, churches in Korea have the same situation as the recipient of 1 Peter. We should not have conflict or counter attack the local society, but overcome with ethical holiness and spiritual maturity. These criticism can be overcame by resembling of Jesus' suffering.