A Practical Prescription: 1 Timothy 5:23
The most direct reference to wine for stomach ailments is found in Paul's first letter to Timothy. In 1 Timothy 5:23, Paul writes, "Stop drinking only water, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent infirmities" (NKJV). This instruction is a pragmatic piece of advice from a caring mentor to a younger companion who was frequently ill. The context is crucial; Paul does not endorse recreational drinking but prescribes wine as a medicinal remedy for a specific health issue. Timothy's illness, possibly exacerbated by contaminated drinking water common in the ancient world, prompted this counsel. Paul's guidance was a practical, compassionate response to a real-world health challenge faced by his young friend.
The Historical and Cultural Context of Wine
To properly understand this verse, it is essential to consider the historical and cultural background of the time. Wine in the ancient world was not always the same as modern alcoholic beverages. While fermented, it was often diluted with water and was also a known antiseptic. Physicians like Hippocrates regularly used and prescribed wine for various medical conditions. The medicinal application of wine was a recognized practice, and this context helps explain Paul's recommendation.
Reasons for Wine as a Medicinal Agent:
- Water Contamination: In the first-century Roman world, water quality was often poor, contaminated with bacteria and pathogens that caused dysentery and other stomach ailments. The alcohol in wine, even diluted, would have served as a purifier, making the beverage safer to drink.
- Antiseptic Properties: Besides purifying water, wine was used externally and internally as an antiseptic. The Parable of the Good Samaritan mentions using oil and wine to treat a man's wounds, illustrating its recognized medicinal use.
- Nutritional Value: As a fermented fruit product, wine contained nutrients and calories. It was considered a staple beverage and was part of a typical diet, not just a luxury item.
Comparison: Medicinal Use vs. Excessive Use
When examining the biblical perspective on wine, a distinction is consistently drawn between medicinal, moderate use and excessive, indulgent use. The Bible warns strongly against drunkenness, which leads to foolishness and poverty.
| Aspect | Medicinal Use (1 Tim 5:23) | Excessive Use (Proverbs 23:29-35) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Remedy for physical ailments, purifying water. | Indulgence, seeking pleasure and inebriation. |
| Quantity | "A little wine," emphasizing moderation. | "Tarry long over wine," implying excess and lack of control. |
| Consequences | Improved health and relief from sickness. | Woe, sorrow, strife, and negative health effects. |
| Context | Specific instruction for an illness. | General warning against a foolish and reckless lifestyle. |
| Principle | Stewardship of one's body, using resources wisely. | Lack of self-control and wisdom. |
Lessons for Modern Christians
Paul's advice to Timothy offers enduring principles beyond its specific historical context. It highlights the importance of caring for one's physical body, which is seen as a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). The passage also demonstrates that faith does not negate the need for practical wisdom and medical care. Paul, who performed miracles, still offered a practical, medical solution rather than relying solely on supernatural healing for every situation.
This biblical perspective encourages a balanced approach: honoring God with our bodies by practicing moderation and using wisdom to address health needs, whether through prayer, medicine, or other practical means. The key is the purpose and quantity of consumption. Just as overeating is a sin of gluttony, drunkenness is a sin of excess; neither is sanctioned by scripture. The issue is not the substance itself, but its misuse.
Addressing the "Two-Wine" Debate
Some argue for a distinction between fermented and unfermented wine in the Bible, sometimes referred to as the "two-wine" theory, suggesting Paul was recommending non-alcoholic grape juice. However, most biblical scholars and historical evidence suggest that the term oinos (Greek for wine) typically referred to fermented grape juice. The practice of diluting wine was common, and the word oinos could encompass a range of strengths. The emphasis on "a little wine" and avoiding drunkenness (Ephesians 5:18) reinforces the importance of moderation, not absolute prohibition. The instruction is about using a potentially intoxicating substance wisely for a medical need, not about recreational indulgence.
Conclusion: Wisdom, Health, and Moderation
In conclusion, what the Bible says about wine for the stomach is found in a very specific, practical, and medical context. Paul's advice to Timothy in 1 Timothy 5:23 was a compassionate and wise instruction to use a small amount of wine to address health problems likely caused by contaminated water. This does not serve as a blanket endorsement for drinking today but highlights several timeless principles: the importance of health stewardship, the appropriate use of earthly resources like medicine, and the biblical mandate for moderation in all things. Believers are called to use wisdom, care for their bodies, and glorify God in all they do, whether that involves eating, drinking, or any other aspect of life (1 Corinthians 10:31). The passage provides guidance not just on the use of wine, but on the overall balance between spiritual devotion and practical wellness. For a deeper exploration of this topic, commentaries like Gill's Exposition provide further insights into the historical context and meaning of this verse.
