Jesus and Wine
It has always been amazing for me to realize how some people can feel that the drinking of alco holic beverages in moderation can possibly be acceptable. They will argue that Paul speaks of taking wine for one's stomach's sake. They will also infer that the Lord made wine. Such a rationalization, how ever, causes real problems, for one must realize the devastating results of alcoholic consumption. The proper interpretation of any language is to try, in so far as pos sible, by factual data and a careful analysis of the time when it was used, to project oneself into that era and culture to gain the real meaning. The King James Version of the Bible, translated in 1611, uses many words which were meaningful to men and women of that day but which do not neces sarily carry the same connotation today. As as example the word “conversation" then meant "man ner of life," whereas today it means "talking to one another." The word "Comforter," speaking of the Holy Spirit, makes us think of One who dries your tears and puts His arm about you in a sympathetic way. The root meaning, however, is from the word "fort" and speaks of One who strengthens and forti fies you. He is our Advocate. We will see these same things in con nection with the word "wine" used in Scripture. We certainly need to keep in mind that one cannot be moderate in the use of a substance which is harmful. This is, of course, very
true about alcohol. It is a poison in the human body. Would anyone be foolish enough to suggest mod eration in the use of arsenic? What is the point of convincing people they should use a little poison with their meals just because they will not die from it? Keep in mind the fact that the Greek word translated "wine" in the King James Version simply re fers to "the fruit of the vine." This is according to best Biblical schol arship. That, you see, does not necessarily mean a drink which is alcoholic. The same is true of the word "cider" which can simply mean the fruit of the apple tree, or it can have reference to that which is fermented. So, the word in the Greek translated "wine" means really "the fruit of the vine" which is grape juice. This can be fermented or unfermented. Those who live in that culture today will hear people talking about "gath ering wine leaves." These are used to wrap a very special meat dish. What they have reference to are grape leaves. In ancient writings this is also commonly found. It is my belief that in the first recorded miracle of our Lord, the beverage was unfermented grape juice. When on the cross the Sav iour was offered intoxicating wine. This was the custom of the Romans. Jesus would not take it. I do not believe that Christ used wine at the Lord's Supper. The word "wine" is never used with reference to this event. Matthew records Him declaring, "I say unto
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