1 Timothy 5:23 – “Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.”
Extended Explanation
This verse is a personal instruction from Paul to Timothy. Paul tells Timothy to stop drinking only water and to use a little wine to help with his frequent stomach problems. It’s not a general teaching about alcohol-this is advice for a specific health issue that Timothy was facing.
Timothy was likely avoiding wine altogether, perhaps to set an example of self-control or to avoid any criticism from others. But Paul, who cared deeply for Timothy, is reminding him that caring for your body isn’t unspiritual. Timothy’s health mattered. Paul tells him it’s okay to take practical steps to feel better, even if it means doing something that others might misinterpret.
This verse shows a personal side of Paul and a compassionate concern for Timothy’s well-being.
Historical Context
In the ancient world, clean drinking water was not always available or safe. Many people drank diluted wine because it helped purify the water and aided digestion. It wasn’t unusual for people to use wine medicinally.
Timothy, who was known for his sincerity and spiritual maturity (see 2 Timothy 1:5), may have avoided wine to avoid any appearance of wrongdoing, especially in a culture where drunkenness was common. But in doing so, he may have been putting his health at risk.
Paul’s instruction was not permission for drunkenness, but encouragement to use wisdom and balance when it comes to physical health. The early church didn’t separate the spiritual from the physical-both were important.
Theological Implications
This verse shows that God cares about the whole person-body and soul. Sometimes Christians can focus so much on spiritual matters that they neglect physical health, but Paul shows here that the two are connected.
There’s also an important lesson about legalism. Avoiding wine might have seemed “extra holy,” but Paul gently corrects that thinking. The goal is not to appear holy-it’s to live wisely, with balance, in a way that honors God and cares for the life He’s given us.
This verse encourages believers to use common sense and to seek practical help when needed, without feeling guilty about it.
Literary Analysis
This verse stands out in the passage because it’s a personal aside in the middle of broader instructions about church leadership and purity. Paul switches from public commands to a private note, reminding us that the letter is pastoral in nature.
The structure is simple and direct:
- “Stop drinking only water” – a correction to Timothy’s current practice.
- “Use a little wine” – not indulgence, but moderation.
- “Because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses” – the reason behind the advice.
Paul’s use of “a little” shows his continued concern for self-control and balance.
Biblical Cross-References
- 1 Corinthians 6:19–20 – “Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit… honor God with your bodies.”
- Ecclesiastes 9:7 – Encouragement to enjoy life in balance: “Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart.”
- Proverbs 20:1 – A warning: “Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.”
- Romans 14:21 – “It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.”
- Luke 10:34 – The Good Samaritan uses wine and oil to treat wounds-another example of practical medicine in Scripture.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, this verse reminds us to take care of our physical health as part of our walk with God. God made our bodies, and He expects us to treat them with wisdom. It’s not unspiritual to seek medical help or use practical remedies for health issues.
It also cautions us not to fall into legalism-thinking that outward appearances or extra rules make us more holy. Real faith includes both self-control and freedom guided by wisdom.
Lastly, it encourages us to care for one another personally. Paul doesn’t just give public instructions-he looks after Timothy’s personal needs, showing the kind of loving relationships that should exist in the church.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reminds us that God is not only concerned with our eternal souls, but also with our daily needs. He cares about our bodies, our health, and our well-being. A loving Father doesn’t just instruct us in truth-He also helps us live wisely and practically.
God’s love shows up in the small details, like helping a young pastor manage his health. That care from Paul reflects the tender, detailed love of God for each of His children.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus healed the sick, fed the hungry, and took time to rest. He never treated the body as unimportant. His ministry met both spiritual and physical needs, showing us that following Him means caring for the whole person.
This verse fits that pattern. Paul, as a follower of Christ, imitates that care by looking after Timothy’s health-not just his ministry responsibilities.
Jesus also warned against legalism, especially when religious rules made life harder instead of drawing people closer to God (Matthew 23:4). This verse echoes that: we should live in freedom, guided by wisdom, not bound by appearances or unnecessary rules.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Are there areas of your life where you might be neglecting your physical health in the name of being “spiritual”?
- What does this verse teach about finding balance between self-discipline and wise freedom?
- How can we show care for others like Paul did for Timothy-both spiritually and practically?
- Are there any legalistic habits in your life that might need to be reconsidered in light of God’s grace?
- How can you better reflect God’s love by caring for your body as a gift from Him?