Should Christians eat pork? Drink alcohol? Celebrate Christmas?

[Amos Ministries]

Romans 14 addresses issues that divide many Christians. Issues such as should Christians eat pork? Should Christians drink alcohol? What day should the Sabbath be? Should Christians celebrate Christmas, Easter and other religious festivals? The Apostle Paul speaks directly to these issues in Romans 14 and he calls these matters disputable, personal opinions that are insignificant.

Romans 14:1 – Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters.

Other translations say:

New Living Translation – Accept other believers who are weak in faith, and don’t argue with them about what they think is right or wrong.

English Standard Version – As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions.

Berean Study Bible – Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on his opinions.

New King James Version – Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things.

Amplified Bible – As for the one whose faith is weak, accept him [into your fellowship], but not for [the purpose of] quarreling over his opinions.

Contemporary English Version – Welcome all the Lord’s followers, even those whose faith is weak. Don’t criticize them for having beliefs that are different from yours.

Good News Translation – Welcome those who are weak in faith, but do not argue with them about their personal opinions.

Romans 14:2-3 One person’s faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. 3 The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them.

This addresses the issue of eating pork. Further in verses 14-20, Paul expands upon this by reinforcing the belief that all food is clean to eat.

Romans 14:4 Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand.

We must not judge other Christians over these types of insignificant and disputable arguments. What one man does as an act of worship and sacrifice to God should not be criticized, even though we may not agree due to a stronger faith.

Romans 14:5 One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind.

It is perfectly acceptable if some Christians wish to celebrate Christmas, Easter, Lent, etc. to honor God. This does not include the highly commercialized and temporary ‘Christmas spirit’ and “Easter bunny’ aspect. I am referring to the holy day itself. If some determine to observe the Sabbath on Saturday instead of Sunday, it is of no consequence. We should not be arguing with one another about our personal opinions regarding these matters.

Paul also refers to this in 1 Colossians 2:16 & 17 :

1 Colossians 2:16-17 – Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. 17 These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.

Romans 14:6-9 Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord. Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God; and whoever abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God. 7 For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone. 8 If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. 9 For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living.

Romans 14:10-11 You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. 11 It is written:

“‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.’”

We are not meant to judge and argue with fellow believers over trivial matters such as food, alcohol, festivals and Sabbath days.

Romans 14:12-14 So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God. 13 Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. 14 I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean.

If some Christians believe that eating pork is wrong, we should not judge them, and those who feel that eating pork is wrong, should not judge Christians who eat pork.

Romans 14:15-18 If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy someone for whom Christ died. 16 Therefore do not let what you know is good be spoken of as evil. 17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, 18 because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval.

Romans 14:19-21 Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. 20 Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a person to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. 21 It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.

For example, if a fellow believer does not believe Christians should drink alcohol, then alcohol should not be served when this believer is present.

Romans 14:22-23 So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves. 23 But whoever has doubts is condemned if they eat, because their eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.

In conclusion, we should not judge our fellow brothers/sisters in Christ concerning their beliefs on celebrating festivals, food, alcohol, dietary issues (the only matter that is not disputable regarding dietary issues is that as Christians, we are not permitted to eat meat with blood still in it, as it was reiterated by Paul, Peter and James regarding Gentiles), and lastly, what day the Sabbath should be observed.

Have you ever judged a fellow brother/sister in Christ for what they eat, drink or celebrate?

 

[Josiah]

They MAY. In moderation, as good stewards of the body.


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[rstrats]

Romans 14 only addresses one issue. The subject of the chapter from start to finish is talking about food practices. Paul is writing about asceticism. Some in the church at Rome believed Christians should eat only vegetables. Paul calls these people “weak in the faith” (verses 1-2). The stronger in faith know they could also eat meat. Nothing in God’s law prescribes vegetarianism. The stronger in faith knew they were free from non-biblical asceticism. A part of the controversy that had sprung up between the weak and the strong Christians was the esteeming of days. In Rome some people had the pagan idea that on certain days certain foods should or should not be eaten. In this whole chapter Paul was just showing that others should not be offended, particularly weak members who have not yet learned the truth about the proper Christian diet and that they should not be judged by the stronger in the faith.

 

[JRT]

Luke 12:57--- Why don't you judge for yourselves what is right?

 

[Matthew ten Verseight]

Romans 14 addresses issues that divide many Christians. Issues such as should Christians eat pork? Should Christians drink alcohol? What day should the Sabbath be? Should Christians celebrate Christmas, Easter and other religious festivals? The Apostle Paul speaks directly to these issues in Romans 14 and he calls these matters disputable, personal opinions that are insignificant.

Romans 14:1 – Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters.

...

Have you ever judged a fellow brother/sister in Christ for what they eat, drink or celebrate?

As to the OP topic questions:

"Should Christians eat pork? Drink alcohol? Celebrate Christmas?"

Divided into their distinct parts as questions

(1) Should Christians eat pork?

(2) Should Christians ... Drink alcohol?

(3) Should Christians ... Celebrate Christmas?

Divided into their distinct parts as answers:

(1) No, it (as well as all actual unclean/abomination) is absolutely forbidden. See 1 Corinthians 10:1-15; Psalms 78:1-31; Numbers 11:1-35; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Leviticus 11 (all); Deuteronomy 14 (all); Isaiah 66:17; Acts 10-11, & 15 (all); 2 Corinthians 6:17; 1 Peter 1:15-16; 2 Peter 3:11; Revelation 16:13, 18:2. Romans 14 has nothing to do with it. The laws of health remain since God created in Genesis 1. Romans 12:1; 3 John 1:2, etc. See also, as it was in the days of Noah (Genesis 6-9) for the days of the second coming of Jesus; Matthew 24:37-38; Luke 17:26-27.

(2) No. See Proverbs 20:1, 31:1-9; Deuteronomy 32:31-33; 1 Corinthians 10:1-15; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Isaiah 21:1-8; Jeremiah 51:7; Daniel 5:4; Revelation 17:2, 18:3; Luke 1:15; Ephesians 5:18; 1 Timothy 3:3,8; Titus 1:7, 2:3; 1 Peter 4:3. Romans 14 has nothing to do with it. The laws of health remain since God created in Genesis 1. Romans 12:1; 3 John 1:2, etc. See also, as it was in the days of Noah (Genesis 9) for the days of the second coming of Jesus; Matthew 24:37-38; Luke 17:26-27.

(3) Christians should celebrate the life of Jesus Christ, by living as he lived, here and now, by the Holy Ghost, and the grace of God the Father at all times. Romans 6:1-23; 1 Peter 2:21; 1 John 2:6. Christians should never celebrate "mass" (Christ's-mass), as it is the paganism of the Roman Catholic system (of which I used to be of for 30 years), and is a continual sacrifice, dead blood, dead flesh, necrotic vampirism by faith, and violates the book of Hebrews, and the ministration of Jesus Christ in the Heavenly places. As for a day in a year, like the 25th of December, which is customarily held, that would fall under Romans 14, so long as it is not filled with secular and/or pagan ideas/practices, or for selfish purposes. I have seen the day used for a good purpose, like collecting money, food and clothing to be given out to the worthy poor, among other things. Spending time with the sick, or lonely. Singing the gospel songs to those in need of edifying and uplifting. It is lawful to do good, just avoid the appearance of evil. Even having an evergreen tree (representing eternal life) in the home (or even sanctuary) is not evil, as trees and plants are in offices, schools, homes all the times, and it is even represented as such in the Sanctuary of God, upon the walls, as well as in the actual 7 branch tree of light on the sides of the south in the Holy Place (the living room). God gave the greatest gift, of His Son, John 3:16, though it was not December 25th, but closer to October during the time of the feast of Tabernacles, while the inns were full for the traveling Jews who came to Jerusalem for the feast. Yet, there is no law that one has to do such things that particular day (25th, Dec.) in scripture.

The OP "wrested" Romans 14. This is demonstrable upon request. Diet is never "disputable" in scripture, and neither is alcohol. The latter one is another matter, and will depend on the context of what one means by "Christmas".

Finally, God's word is the judge (John 12:48; Isaiah 8:20). I just "Amen" it.

 

[Lamb]

As to the OP topic questions:

"Should Christians eat pork? Drink alcohol? Celebrate Christmas?"

Divided into their distinct parts as questions

(1) Should Christians eat pork?

(2) Should Christians ... Drink alcohol?

(3) Should Christians ... Celebrate Christmas?

Divided into their distinct parts as answers:

(1) No, it (as well as all actual unclean/abomination) is absolutely forbidden. See 1 Corinthians 10:1-15; Psalms 78:1-31; Numbers 11:1-35; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Leviticus 11 (all); Deuteronomy 14 (all); Isaiah 66:17; Acts 10-11, & 15 (all); 2 Corinthians 6:17; 1 Peter 1:15-16; 2 Peter 3:11; Revelation 16:13, 18:2. Romans 14 has nothing to do with it. The laws of health remain since God created in Genesis 1. Romans 12:1; 3 John 1:2, etc. See also, as it was in the days of Noah (Genesis 6-9) for the days of the second coming of Jesus; Matthew 24:37-38; Luke 17:26-27.

(2) No. See Proverbs 20:1, 31:1-9; Deuteronomy 32:31-33; 1 Corinthians 10:1-15; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Isaiah 21:1-8; Jeremiah 51:7; Daniel 5:4; Revelation 17:2, 18:3; Luke 1:15; Ephesians 5:18; 1 Timothy 3:3,8; Titus 1:7, 2:3; 1 Peter 4:3. Romans 14 has nothing to do with it. The laws of health remain since God created in Genesis 1. Romans 12:1; 3 John 1:2, etc. See also, as it was in the days of Noah (Genesis 9) for the days of the second coming of Jesus; Matthew 24:37-38; Luke 17:26-27.

(3) Christians should celebrate the life of Jesus Christ, by living as he lived, here and now, by the Holy Ghost, and the grace of God the Father at all times. Romans 6:1-23; 1 Peter 2:21; 1 John 2:6. Christians should never celebrate "mass" (Christ's-mass), as it is the paganism of the Roman Catholic system (of which I used to be of for 30 years), and is a continual sacrifice, dead blood, dead flesh, necrotic vampirism by faith, and violates the book of Hebrews, and the ministration of Jesus Christ in the Heavenly places. As for a day in a year, like the 25th of December, which is customarily held, that would fall under Romans 14, so long as it is not filled with secular and/or pagan ideas/practices, or for selfish purposes. I have seen the day used for a good purpose, like collecting money, food and clothing to be given out to the worthy poor, among other things. Spending time with the sick, or lonely. Singing the gospel songs to those in need of edifying and uplifting. It is lawful to do good, just avoid the appearance of evil. Even having an evergreen tree (representing eternal life) in the home (or even sanctuary) is not evil, as trees and plants are in offices, schools, homes all the times, and it is even represented as such in the Sanctuary of God, upon the walls, as well as in the actual 7 branch tree of light on the sides of the south in the Holy Place (the living room). God gave the greatest gift, of His Son, John 3:16, though it was not December 25th, but closer to October during the time of the feast of Tabernacles, while the inns were full for the traveling Jews who came to Jerusalem for the feast. Yet, there is no law that one has to do such things that particular day (25th, Dec.) in scripture.

The OP "wrested" Romans 14. This is demonstrable upon request. Diet is never "disputable" in scripture, and neither is alcohol. The latter one is another matter, and will depend on the context of what one means by "Christmas".

Finally, God's word is the judge (John 12:48; Isaiah 8:20). I just "Amen" it.

You must have missed 1 Timothy 5:23 about drinking wine to help stomach issues?

 

[Matthew ten Verseight]

You must have missed 1 Timothy 5:23 about drinking wine to help stomach issues?

No (please do not assume in future, it is best, and give the benefit of the doubt). I have done an entire Bible study on the subject. Never is alcohol given to one with stomach issues, as it acerbates them. Grape Juice (unfermented juice of the grape, the fruit of the vine, the other 'wine' of scripture) is, for its healing properties. Do you want the long or the short of the context?

 

[Andrew]

No (please do not assume in future, it is best, and give the benefit of the doubt). I have done an entire Bible study on the subject. Never is alcohol given to one with stomach issues, as it acerbates them. Grape Juice (unfermented juice of the grape, the fruit of the vine, the other 'wine' of scripture) is, for its healing properties. Do you want the long or the short of the context?

Please explain

 

[NathanH83]

Eat pork?
Sure, if you want to die an early death.

Drink alcohol?
Sure, just not to get drunk, nor when driving, unless you want to die an early death.

Celebrate Christmas?
Sure, why not celebrate the birth of Christ?
Just don’t get ran over by a reindeer, unless you want to die an early death.

 

[Lamb]

No (please do not assume in future, it is best, and give the benefit of the doubt). I have done an entire Bible study on the subject. Never is alcohol given to one with stomach issues, as it acerbates them. Grape Juice (unfermented juice of the grape, the fruit of the vine, the other 'wine' of scripture) is, for its healing properties. Do you want the long or the short of the context?

"Do not go on drinking only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments." 1 Timothy 5:23

Pretty obvious.

 

[JRT]

Please explain

Wine is alcoholic by definition. A little context is helpful. In biblical times wine was normally fermented to the maximum of about 16%. At that concentration the alcohol actually kills the yeast. Biblically this was called strong drink. However the wine was usually cut with water to bring down the alcohol content to the 5% to 8% range. Grape juice would only be available a few weeks a year during and just following harvest season. Beyond that time the wild yeasts would already be turning the juice into wine. Distillation of alcohol was not known until about the twelfth century. In the first century among the common people the consumption of weak beer was actually more common than wine which was often reserved for special occasions like weddings.

 

[Josiah]

Christians should eat and drink nothing.

According to some "religious" experts, it's sinful.
According to some health experts, it's bad for you.

And it's expensive.



.

 

[Albion]

They MAY. In moderation, as good stewards of the body.


.

Well, that's the orthodox Christian reply.

The question is answered.

 

[Matthew ten Verseight]

"Do not go on drinking only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments." 1 Timothy 5:23

Pretty obvious.

It is obvious, when careful and prayerful Bible study is done, and in reading the context, and in knowing who is giving the advice under inspiration of the Holy Ghost. There are two 'kinds' of "wine" in the Bible. Demonstrable upon request. However, let's consider just this use:

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Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities. 1 Timothy 5:23​

Before continuing with the verse, let us also ask, what is the context of this verse, in the immediate [local, chapter], surrounding [regional, book/s] and even wider perspective [global, Bible], and what does Paul mean by this? Let us look at all of 1 Timothy and also consider 2 Timothy and elsewhere of Scripture to see together what Paul says to Timothy, so that we will not misunderstand, misuse or "wrest" the text to our own destruction, even as Peter hast said of Paul's epistles:

As also in all [his] epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as [they do] also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. 2 Peter 3:16​

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Every day they wrest my words: all their thoughts are against me for evil. Psalms 56:6​

It would be very dangerous to assume in this instance that Paul advocated to Timothy to drink fermented [alcoholic] "wine". We need to be most cautious and careful, lest we advocate sin and rebellion towards God. We are warned in the Epistles to Timothy by the Holy Spirit Himself that such dangers would come, even from those professing Christianity and having a "form of godliness" but are rather "deceived" and "speaking lies in hypocrisy":

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 1 Timothy 4:1​

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Seducing spirits always work through alcohol, it is even why alcohol is sometimes called "spirits". See Isaiah 21:1-8; Jeremiah 51:7; Daniel 5:4; Revelation 17:2, 18:3, which was already provided.

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Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; 1 Timothy 4:2​

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This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 Timothy 3:1​

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For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 2 Timothy 3:2​

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Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 2 Timothy 3:3​

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Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 2 Timothy 3:4​

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Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 2 Timothy 3:5​

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Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. 2 Timothy 3:8​

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But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all [men], as theirs also was. 2 Timothy 3:9​

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But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. 2 Timothy 3:13​

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Did we read that carefully?

Pro 20:1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.​

Continuing:

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For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 2 Timothy 4:3​

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And they shall turn away [their] ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 2 Timothy 4:4​

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From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; 1 Timothy 1:6​

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Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm. 1 Timothy 1:7​

This very time that has come in our day, of "perilous times" when many "evil men" and "seducers" are waxing "worse and worse", "deceiving and being deceived", and are not enduring "sound doctrine" and have begun to "turn away [their] ears from the truth", even "unto fables" and they withstand the truth and "resist the truth", preaching to be "unholy" and "incontinent", even as "Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses" or as Alexander who has, "greatly withstood our words" [2 Timothy 4:5]. Let not one of us be among that number of those who have departed "from the faith", "having swerved aside unto vain jangling" and "desiring to be teachers of the law" but yet "understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm", and so let us not be counted as one who resists Him [who first loved us], blaspheming the Holy Spirit.

We are to be as Paul has exhorted Timothy, to "keep thyself pure", and to be "sober", "grave", "blameless", an "example of the believers...in conversation...in purity", doing "nothing by partiality", exercising ourselves unto "godliness", nourished up unto "good doctrine", and "good works", being "not given to wine", but to rather be most "vigiliant", continuing in "holiness with sobriety", with "shamefacedness", being of "good report", so that we may "lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty", doing that which "is good and acceptable before God", departing "from iniquity" and not "giving heed to fables", having "made shipwreck" of the faith by "seducers" and "evil men", and not to be "turned aside after satan" doing, teaching and partaking of other "men's sins" and of those things which are "contrary to sound doctrine" which gives the devil "occasion...to speak reproachfully". Please read and look for those words:

1 Timothy 1:1 --> 1 Timothy 6:21​

2 Timothy 1:1 --> 2 Timothy 4:22​

For our doctrine of food & drink must be according to the clear and pure word of God, it must first be "sanctified by the Word of God" and we must by "prayer" ask Him in faith to know the truth, and so "rightly dividing the word of Truth" and have our "instruction in righteousness" and "thoroughly furnished unto all good works" having been called with "an holy calling" and so not to drink of the fermented wine, the very symbol of corrupted doctrine, rebellion, confusion and hypocrisy, that "cruel" venomous beverage of "Belial" [1 Samuel 1:15-16] that "biteth like a serpent" and "stingeth like an adder" and of those who teach that it is acceptable to partake of it, scripture says that they "concerning the truth have erred ... and overthrow the faith of some" and who, unless they repent and turn, will "increase unto more ungodliness".

continued ...

 

[Matthew ten Verseight]

"Do not go on drinking only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments." 1 Timothy 5:23

Pretty obvious.

... continued.

So, when Paul, after exhorting for so long about those things of "godliness", "sobriety", "vigiliance" and "truth" and the stark contrast of "ungodliness", "evil", "sin" and "error", etc, when then of the text at hand?

Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities. 1 Timothy 5:23​

Let us consider as we shall, that many times Luke [“Only Luke is with me. ...” 2 Timothy 4:11;p], the beloved physician, was with Paul on his journeyings, and so could help with medical advice about health concerning "infirmities" which Timothy seemed to have and that concerning his "stomach's sake". So, notice, that it was not merely the "stomach" issue, but Timothy had "often infirmities" along with it. Let us begin to consider what is being said by Paul to Timothy, by what we have learned in those Epistles and shall yet learn from the "scriptures" on the subject of "wine", for far be it from us to build a doctrine from scripture to advocate the drinking of alcohol from such a text as this when all of the context itself goes against such an idea to begin with, for alcohol causeth, "wounds without cause" (Proverbs 23:29). Notice the word "sins", of other men, on either side of this verse, and then know that Paul, would never advocate Timothy to sin, which it is "not lawful" for a "king" (Christians are Kings and Priests, an holy nation) to drink alcohol, lest it pervert his judgment (Proverbs 31) in matters of the law of God.

Let us look closer at each individual part:

"Drink no longer water, but..."​

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"...use a little wine for..."​

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"...thy stomach's sake and..."​

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"...thine often infirmaties."​

Other translations also help to bring out what Paul is saying to Timothy:

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Bible in Basic English​

5:23Do not take only water as your drink, but take a little wine for the good of your stomach, and because you are frequently ill.​

​

World English Bible​

5:23 Be no longer a drinker of water only, but use a little wine for your stomach's sake and your frequent infirmities.​

​

Young's Literal Translation​

5:23 no longer be drinking water, but a little wine be using, because of thy stomach and of thine often infirmities;​

We see that Timothy was only a "water drinker" and was refusing to accept any "wine" [pure grape juice]. Why should this be so? Many times, when the grapes could not longer be gathered fresh, they would store them as a sort of crushed pulp in preserving barrels/jars and when needed would open them, and mix them with water to constitute them into a grape juice (wine). However, the longer this opened preserve was set out, it would eventually 'turn' (just as it did for Noah). Timothy, knew all of this, and was very strict in his duty toward God, in that he understood "that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in [his] brother's way" [Romans 14:13;p], "take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak" [1 Corinthians 8:9;p], he being exhorted to be an "example of the believers" and was making sure that he ate or drank nothing that would by outward appearance cause the downfall of another. There were also Nazarites that were becoming Christians (Romans 14, "wine"), and their vows (of eating nothing of the grape, etc) were still valid post Calvary. Additionally, Timothy as being set over others in office in the church, and made sure that he :

Abstain from all appearance of evil. 1 Thessalonians 5:22​

... for it was obvious to 'abstain from all evil' and yet also better still to even "abstain from all appearance of evil", for some in the scripture have not that knowledge of the difference between "wine" [unfermented; grape juice] and "wine" [fermented; alcohol], even as today, and from this second, many were taken by its evil, while others still were to even place blame upon those partaking of the first, just as had been done at Pentecost by the unbelievers ["mocking"; Acts 2:13] and also of those concerning the meats and idols.

"Howbeit [there is] not in every man that knowledge:..." 1 Corinthians 8:7;p​

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"... to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;" Colossians 1:9;p​

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And though I have [the gift of] prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.1 Corinthians 13:2​

Timothy, just as Paul, would rather "drink water only" in Christian "charity" [love] than cause anyone to stumble even over that which is perfectly fine to partake of according to the word of God [in this case, the grape juice]. He was placing himself in more of a "nazarite" position, "sober", "grave", "sobriety", "pure", "holy", etc, by conscious choice, without actually taking any such vow. However, it seemed he was doing so even at the cost of his own health, which was unsafe, in his condition, to do.

Paul then gives advice, which seems guided by the aid of Luke the physician and Holy Spirit on this condition of Timothy, in letting him know that he could relax on the severe strictness of his current position [which was to partake not even of the pure fruit of the vine], without compromise to integrity and conscience, in saying to Timothy, "Drink no longer water, but..." so that he may "...use a little wine..." [grape juice] "...for..." his particular "stomach" ailments and "often infirmities".

It is well known of the powerful antioxidants and curative properties of the pure grape juice, especially in stomach ailments and other infirmities, for it is truly a "revitalizing" drink, full of flavonoids, vitamins, etc. Medical research is confirming even the scriptures here.

However, to recommend alcoholic beverage to someone constantly ill and suffering from stomach ailments would cause them greater harm and suffering. Alcohol always weakens the immune system, attacks the morality of mankind (Proverbs 20 & 31; Genesis 9; Daniel 5; Revelation 17; Jeremiah 51, etc), even as scripture shows.

... continued ...

 

[Matthew ten Verseight]

"Do not go on drinking only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments." 1 Timothy 5:23

Pretty obvious.

... continued.

In fact, Timothy could mix the two [water and grapejuice] even reducing the strength of the just come out of storage/preservation grape mush by cutting it or mixing it with water, in case others may yet complain that Timothy had become a "winebibber" and "drunkard" [as the Pharisees had falsely accused and so done to Jesus]:

"...thy wine mixed with water." Isaiah 1:22;p, which weakens it, or reduces potency and/or bitterness.​

The disciples could drink the juice of the grape [that "fruit of the vine" or “new wine”, being unfermented], as had been done at the Wedding in Cana, the Passover [wave sheaf and "first-fruits", the time of the "first ripe grapes", even that which came directly from "the vine" and "branches", "the clusters thereof brought forth ripe grapes", "took the grapes, and pressed them into ... cup", or from the "winepresses" which are "burst out with new wine", being the thanks giving of "joy and gladness" of the "blessing" from God of the great harvest to come, etc] and at Pentecost, etc.

However, even as Paul has said elsewhere, that even that which is normally good [pure juice of the grape], may not be immediately expedient or edifying in certain situations [just as was the [clean] meats]:

All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. 1 Corinthians 6:12​

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All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. 1 Corinthians 10:23​

It would be the same as someone personally abstaining from Carob [perfectly fine to eat, even healthy] from people who may have health issues and dietary problems with their choice of chocolate. Or like eating almond/soy/oat "ice cream" in front of them which have issues in their own diet [perhaps they cannot yet cease from sweets or even dangerous sugars, thus becoming diabetics].

Paul would never advocate or recommend to Timothy an action which could lead to his downfall, stumbling, causing others to stumble, into sin, or to a practice which could lead away from Christ Jesus and/or "cause one to forget" His Law and Word.

Alcohol is an intoxicant, a poison and causes one to not be in full control of their senses or reasoning, and destroys the health of the body beginning immediately.

Yet the pure Juice of the Grape and unfermented was revitalizing and refreshing, excellent for health and restoration, quickening the mind and body:

And what the land [is], whether it [be] fat or lean, whether there be wood therein, or not. And be ye of good courage, and bring of the fruit of the land. Now the time [was] the time of the firstripe grapes. Numbers 13:20​

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And he will love thee, and bless thee, and multiply thee: he will also bless the fruit of thy womb, and the fruit of thy land, thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep, in the land which he sware unto thy fathers to give thee. Deuteronomy 7:13​

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And when David was a little past the top [of the hill], behold, Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth met him, with a couple of asses saddled, and upon them two hundred [loaves] of bread, and an hundred bunches of raisins, and an hundred of summer fruits, and a bottle of wine. 2 Samuel 16:1​

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And the king said unto Ziba, What meanest thou by these? And Ziba said, The asses [be] for the king's household to ride on; and the bread and summer fruit for the young men to eat; and the wine, that such as be faint in the wilderness may drink. 2 Samuel 16:2​

Who would give alcohol [known to cause dehydration], to someone "faint in the wilderness"? What physician or Apostle would give advice to Timothy to drink alcohol for his illness? "Foolishness" and "folly" of those who try to turn the "blessing" and "gift of God" and His judgment into "gall" and of His righteousness into "hemlock" [Amos 6:12].

It is easily demonstrated that there are two "kinds" of "wine" in scripture.

 

[Matthew ten Verseight]

Grape juice would only be available a few weeks a year during and just following harvest season.

Untrue. They had many preservation methods.

 

[Lamb]

Wine is alcoholic by definition. A little context is helpful. In biblical times wine was normally fermented to the maximum of about 16%. At that concentration the alcohol actually kills the yeast. Biblically this was called strong drink. However the wine was usually cut with water to bring down the alcohol content to the 5% to 8% range. Grape juice would only be available a few weeks a year during and just following harvest season. Beyond that time the wild yeasts would already be turning the juice into wine. Distillation of alcohol was not known until about the twelfth century. In the first century among the common people the consumption of weak beer was actually more common than wine which was often reserved for special occasions like weddings.

JRT's post is exactly why @Matthew ten Verseight 's multiple long posts don't make the grade. When you realize that historically there wasn't grape juice like we know today then you admit that they actually drank wine in biblical times!

 

[Matthew ten Verseight]

JRT's post is exactly why @Matthew ten Verseight 's multiple long posts don't make the grade. When you realize that historically there wasn't grape juice like we know today then you admit that they actually drank wine in biblical times!

I quoted actual scripture (which you obviously did not read yet, since your reply was so quick after I gave the replies). JRT simply made bald assertions and provided no evidence to the assertions.

If you want historical documentation beyond what I gave from scripture, see:

[The Bible Wine Question. The Answer To The 'Unanswerable': Or An Exposure Of The Fallacies Of Three Irish Advocates (Professors Watts, Wallace And Murphy) And Eleven Syrian Witnesses; By Frederick Richard Lees] - The Bible Wine Question

I can also recommend - Bible Wines, Laws of Fermentation; by William Patton - Bible Wines

Aristotle ["...(384 BC – 322 BC)[1] was a Greek philosopher and polymath, a student of Plato and teacher of Alexander the Great." [Wikipedia - Aristotle - Wikipedia ]] said, "...Sweet wine does give off fumes, for it contains fat and behaves like oil. It does not solidify under the influence of cold and it is apt to burn. Really it is not wine at all in spite of its name: for it does not taste like wine and consequently does not inebriate as ordinary wine does. ...

...(Wine is a liquid which raises a difficulty: for it is both liable to evaporation and it also thickens; for instance new wine does. The reason is that the word 'wine' is ambiguous and different 'wines' behave in different ways." - Meteorlogica Book IV [English] - The Internet Classics Archive | Meteorology by Aristotle

 

[Andrew]

Untrue. They had many preservation methods.

Fruits like grapes don't last that long unless chilled, what methods are you referring to?