Non-Alcoholic Wine

Many use this passage as an excuse for them to drink alcoholic beverages. But a closer study of Scriptures reveal that God never condones the consumption of wine that causes drunkenness (Gen 9:21). Paul told Timothy to “use a little wine” for his stomach and his infirmities. Patients with stomach problems would be advised by their doctor to abstain from any intoxicating drinks. We don’t know exactly what is Timothy’s sickness. But we do know that drinking water during those days were mostly contaminated with bacteria, parasites, and some heavy metals.

It was not advisable for anyone with stomach problems to drink impure water! So, Paul recommended that Timothy drink grape juice only, which is not fermented wine. Understanding the context of how “wine” is used in the Bible is very important. It can either be used in reference to grape juice or a fermented product. “New wine is found in the cluster” (Isa 65:8), and ripe grapes can be pressed into a cup (Gen 40:11). The process of treading grapes to remove the juice utilizes a device called “winepress” (Job 24:11), not a grapepress. The vat or container that receives the juice is called a “winefat” (Isa 63:2), not grapefat.

So, the grape juice is called “wine” in this context! It can become fermented if “leaven” (Gal 5:9), or yeast is added. When Jesus and His disciples observed the Passover meal prior to His crucifixion (Lk 22:13), it was followed by the “feast of unleavened bread” (Num 28:17). The Lord would not have offered a drink that has leaven. He referred to their drink which “is the new testament in my blood” (1 Cor 11:25), as “the fruit of the vine” (Lk 22:18)! We can also be sure at the wedding in “Cana of Galilee, where He made the water wine” (Jn 4:46); that it was “new wine” (Mk 2:22), and was non-alcoholic. Instead of being filled with intoxicating drink (Prov 20:1), let us all “be filled with the Spirit” (Eph 5:18)! God bless you!

- Pastor Melito Barrera