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1 Timothy 3:3
Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;

1 Timothy 4:4
For every creature of Godis good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:

Leviticus 10:9-11
Do not drink wine nor strong drink, thou, nor thy sons with thee, when ye go into the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die:it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations: …

and use a little wine instead
Wine in biblical times was a staple beverage, often diluted with water to purify it and make it safe for consumption. It was also used for medicinal purposes, as seen in other scriptures likeProverbs 31:6-7, where wine is given to those in distress. The instruction to use "a little" wine highlights moderation and the avoidance of excess, aligning with biblical teachings against drunkenness (Ephesians 5:18). This advice reflects a balance between spiritual discipline and practical health considerations.

because of your stomach
The mention of stomach issues suggests Timothy suffered from digestive problems, which were common in the ancient world due to diet and water quality. This personal note from Paul indicates a close relationship and concern for Timothy's well-being. It also underscores the practical nature of Paul's guidance, blending spiritual leadership with everyday life advice. The use of wine for stomach ailments was a known remedy, as it could aid digestion and provide relief from certain conditions.

and your frequent ailments
Timothy's "frequent ailments" suggest he was often unwell, which could have been a result of his demanding role in the early church or the harsh conditions of travel and ministry. This phrase highlights the human aspect of biblical figures, showing that even leaders in the faith faced physical challenges. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of caring for one's health to effectively serve in ministry. The advice to use wine medicinally reflects a common practice of the time, where natural remedies were employed for various health issues.

Paul writes, “Stop drinking only water” (1 Timothy 5:23). Timothy had apparently chosen a strict regimen of water alone—likely an act of personal discipline. Yet Scripture never equates abstinence from all fermented drink with righteousness; Jesus Himself both created and drank wine (John 2:1-11;Luke 7:34). Paul is not condemning Timothy’s caution but correcting an imbalance.

• God’s gifts, when used rightly, are good (1 Timothy 4:4-5).

• Legalism can look pious yet bring unnecessary hardship (Colossians 2:20-23).

• Believers are called to freedom tempered by love and wisdom (Galatians 5:13).

“Use a little wine” points to moderation, not indulgence. Wine in that era served practical purposes: purifying water, aiding digestion, and supplying calories. Paul stresses “a little,” affirming self-control (Ephesians 5:18).

• Proverbs warns that wine can enslave when misused (Proverbs 20:1), yet celebrates it as a blessing in due measure (Psalm 104:15).

• Elders, including Timothy, must be “respectable, not given to much wine” (1 Timothy 3:2-3). Paul’s counsel models balanced liberty—neither prohibition nor excess.

Timothy’s digestive troubles were real, not symbolic. Scripture addresses physical needs as well as spiritual ones (3John 2). Paul’s advice affirms the Creator’s concern for bodily health.

• Jesus healed physical ailments alongside preaching forgiveness (Matthew 9:35).

• God often provides ordinary means—diet, rest, medicine—to sustain His servants (1 Kings 19:5-8;Isaiah 38:21). Dependence on divine care includes embracing such provisions.

Timothy’s recurring illnesses remind us that faithful believers may still suffer physically (Philippians 2:25-27). Persistent weakness does not equal weak faith; Paul himself bore a “thorn in the flesh” (2 Corinthians 12:7-9).

• The church is to support the sick with prayer and practical help (James 5:14-15).

• God’s grace equips us to serve even while afflicted (2 Timothy 2:9-10). Paul’s pastoral tenderness shows that shepherds must care for their own health to care well for others.

1 Timothy 5:23 offers a down-to-earth directive: Timothy should temper his strict abstinence and receive God’s provision of a small amount of wine for medicinal benefit. The verse teaches balanced liberty, warns against legalistic extremes, affirms God’s concern for physical health, and highlights compassionate pastoral care.

The reminder was, no doubt, suggested by St. Paul's own words, with which he closed his solemn direction respecting Timothy's dealings with the accused presbyters, and the care to be used in the laying on of hands: "Keep thyself pure." That Timothy possessed--as did his master Paul--a feeble body, is clear from the words "thine often infirmities." He was, above all things, considering his great position in that growing church, to remember "to keep himself pure," but not on that account to observe ascetical abstinence, and so to weaken uselessly the frail, perishable, perhaps ever dying body, in which he must work that great work committed to him in the master's church. Abstinence from wine was a well-known characteristic feature of the Essene and other Jewish ascetic sects. We know there was frequent intercommunion between Alexandria and Ephesus (seeActs 18:24); and it has even been conjectured that Apollos, who taught publicly at Ephesus, was himself a famous Essene teacher. The practice of these grave and ascetic Jews, many of whom became Christians, no doubt affected not a little the habits and tone of thought of the Ephesian congregations. Hence the necessity of St. Paul's warning against allowing the bodily power to be weakened through abstinence and extreme asceticism.