Expert: John of AllFaith - 1/27/2009

Question
QUESTION: Why does the Bible say deacons can have little wine and the pastor have no wine?

ANSWER: Where does it say that?

Neither can be "given unto wine" but for both the statement is a little wine for the stomach sake.

Traditionally Baptists reject ALL alcohol use. It is generally felt that "wine" in the New Testament is un-fermented grape juice. Personally, I don't see that in the Bible or in archeology. I believe they drank wine in moderation and that that is allowed for all Christians.

I know of no verses that say what you suggest. If you will send those I will be happy to comment on them.

Maranatha,
~ Pastor John

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: The verses I am refering to are in 1 Timothy 3:1-8.

Answer
Hi Thrill,

I can see how you are reading this now. Thanks for the reference.

To me, "Not given to wine" and "not given to much wine" is the same thing.

"Given" is prosecho and suggests being controlled or driven by a thing. In the English translation there is a difference -- the addition of the word "to much" (polus: large amounts) -- but I think its semantics really.

The verse reads: "not given to much wine" not "not given too much wine". See the difference?

The emphasis to me is on the word "given". We are not to be given over to or controlled by wine but some is OK.

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

This is harmonious with "Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand." (Phil 4:5) and

Rom 14:12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.
14 I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.
15 But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.

All Elders of the Church hold a graver responsibility. We must not allow ourselves to be given over to the negative influences of too much wine.

BTW, I don't drink at all ;-)

Hope this helps,

~ Pastor John