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What Does the Bible Say about Alcohol?

Terry Francis
12/18/11 - Sunday 9:00 a.m.

 

Proverbs 23:29–30


The Historical Perspective
Ancient wines are estimated to have an alcoholic content of 5–8%.
Why the big difference? 
Distillation of alcohol began in the 12th Century at the School of Solerna in Italy. 
Ancient wine was diluted.
Watered Down Wine
Homer: 20 to 1
Pliny: 8 to 1
Aristophanes: 3 to 2
Unmixed wine was considered barbaric.



The Biblical Perspective
Drunkenness is a sin.
Ephesians 5:18; Galatians 5:19–21;1 Corinthians 6:9–11
Civil laws must be followed. 
Alcohol usage is unwise. 
Proverbs 21:1; 21:17; 31:4–7; 23:29–35
Drinking is condemned. 
1 Peter 4:3–5
Drunkenness
Orgies or Revellings
Being “half-drunk”
Drinking Parties or Banquetings
The act of drinking. 
1 Timothy 5:23
Timothy abstained from alcohol.
If drinking was commonly accepted, why would Paul need to explain to Timothy he could use alcohol for medicinal purposes? 
Jesus changed water to wine.
John 2:1–10
The best wine was judged by being fresh, not alcoholic (Barnes). 
Only the use of “much wine” is prohibited. 
1 Timothy 3:8; Titus 2:3
“addicted to much wine”“slaves to much wine”
Is it okay to be addicted to a “little wine”?