• Download Video
• Download Audio
• Print
• Email
• Save As PDF

"No longer drink only water..."

Text: 1 Timothy 5:23

PERSONAL MATTERS

The apostle Paul found time to include personal remarks to Timothy. This is valid and also informative.

“No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for
your stomach’s sake and your frequent infirmities.”
1 Timothy 5:23

1. “No longer drink only water”

a) Water in the first century was not always potable.

b) Water had to be thoroughly boiled before it is safe for drinking.

c) Diarrhea could occur easily if insufficient care is taken.

d) Timothy must have been mindful of Paul’s admonition about the problem of drinking wine (1 Timothy 3:3, 8).

e) Thus he must have felt he ought to only drink water.

2. “But use a little wine”

a) Wine was not expressly prohibited.

b) It was not sinful to drink wine.

c) Timothy was advised to “use a little wine” instead of just drinking water.

3. Special reasons attached

a) “For your stomach’s sake”

i) Paul was not giving medical advice.

ii) It was common knowledge that a little wine sometimes helped with digestion.

iii) Wine was a common beverage in those days.

iv) It was served at all main meals.

b) “And for your frequent infirmities”

i) This offers a personal glimpse of Timothy.

ii) We do not have many glimpses of Timothy.

c) Causes for the possible ailments:-

i) Stress of ministry

ii) General health problems

iii) Possibly some dietary concerns