Why does Paul advise Timothy to "use a little wine" in 1 Timothy 5:23? Setting the Scene Timothy is shepherding a young congregation in Ephesus. Paul has just finished giving practical directions on caring for widows and handling elders, then adds a personal note about Timothy’s health. The Text in Focus “Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.” (1 Timothy 5:23) Why Paul Gives This Counsel • Medicinal benefit – Wine in the ancient world was widely used for digestive troubles and as a mild antiseptic. • Water quality – Local water could be contaminated; wine (often diluted) killed bacteria and made drinking safer. • Timothy’s frequent ailments – The counsel is specific: “your stomach and your frequent illnesses,” showing pastoral concern for Timothy’s physical well-being. • Guarding against ascetic legalism – Earlier Paul warned about those who “forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods” (1 Timothy 4:3). Timothy may have been abstaining to avoid criticism, and Paul reminds him that creation, rightly used, is good. • Moderation, not license – The phrase “a little wine” underlines restraint; Scripture consistently condemns drunkenness (e.g., Ephesians 5:18). • Consistency with elder qualifications – Paul had already said overseers must be “not given to drunkenness” (1 Timothy 3:3) and deacons “not indulging in much wine” (1 Timothy 3:8). His advice harmonizes with these standards. Scripture Connections on Wine and Health • Psalm 104:14-15 – God “brings forth… wine that gladdens the heart of man.” • Proverbs 20:1 – “Wine is a mocker… whoever is led astray by it is not wise.” • Proverbs 31:6 – Wine given “to one who is perishing” for relief. • Luke 10:34 – The Good Samaritan pours oil and wine on the injured man’s wounds. • 1 Corinthians 10:31 – “Whether you eat or drink… do all to the glory of God.” • Romans 14:14-21 – Use liberty lovingly; do not cause a brother to stumble. Applying the Principle Today • Care for the body – Physical health matters; believers steward their bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). • Reject extremes – Scripture neither mandates total abstinence nor condones excess; it commends sober, grateful enjoyment within God’s bounds. • Exercise discernment – Cultural context, personal weakness, or the risk of causing others to stumble may call for abstaining (Romans 14:21). • Honor Christ in every sip or abstinence – The motive remains the same: glorify God and walk in love. |
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