Difficult Bible Passages

Jesus turned water into wine (John 2:1-11)

Difficult passages sometimes used to cover sinful practices (2 Pet. 3:16) “twist the scriptures”

All agree: Jesus turned water into “wine”

What does Bible say about “wine?”

By Tom Roberts

Accurate Definition of Wine

“Wine” is a Generic word (covering all stages of the juice of the grape) Like “groceries” (all kinds) Like “cars” (all kinds) “Wine” is either alcoholic or

non-alcoholic (only 2 choices) Which did Jesus produce?

“Wine” Can Be Either Meaning

“Oinos” is the general word for wine (Vine, p. 219)

“Oinos” (NT) translates 3 Hebrew words (Thayer) yayin, tiyrosh, hemer Isa. 65:8 “grape in cluster” (tiyrosh)

Mt. 9:17 New wine into fermented “Oinos” includes alcohol-free wine

Assumption Often Made “Wine” only means alcoholic If so, need to be consistent

Jesus created alcoholic drink Gave to all to drink in social area Nothing wrong with it at all We can brew it, consume it, have guests drink (if not-why not?)

Context Determines Meaning

“New Birth” Jn. 3:5; Rom. 6:1-7 Let Bible determine context Is there anything about character

and teaching of Jesus that would suggest incongruity of drinking alcohol? Accurately portray Jesus?

What is the context of Jesus/wine?

Establish Context

Jesus and Holy Spirit Jn. 14:26; 16:13

2 Tim. 3:16-17 All scripture inspired Prov. 20:1; 23:29-35 HS in OT Jesus greater than Solomon

Mt 12:42 Would Jesus contradict HS? Is His wisdom less than Solomon’s?

Context of Jesus, Wine

Jesus and Holy Spirit Jn. 14:26; 16:13

2 Tim. 3:16-17 All scripture inspired

Hab. 2:15 HS in OT “shame on his glory”

Did Jesus act to bring shame on his glory?

Context of Jesus, Wine

Jesus and His character Heb. 4:15 Jesus was “without sin” Is alcohol consumption without sin? Even without Bible….

1 Thes 5:22 abstain from “every form of evil”

Is alcohol industry without sin?

“But what about….?”

1 Tim. 3:3, 8 Elders, deacons, wine? Does “not given to much wine” allow some use?

Compare: 2 Pet 2:14 Does “eyes full of adultery” allow some use?

“given to wine” = wine-bibbing An elder is not to be guilty of this

“But what about….?”

The Lord’s Supper “Wine” never used with LS “Fruit of the Vine” Mt. 26:29 Passover Feast Wine was used

Mt. 26:17 “unleavened bread” All yeast removed - yeast is fermenting factor - not allowed

“But what about….?”

Medicinal purposes? 1 Tim. 5:23 “a little wine” No objection is this context

Bad waterWeak wine, not distilled liquor

Excuse or medical reason?

Is It Fair?

Solomon “Do not look on the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it swirls smoothly; at the last it bites like a serpent and stings like a viper”

Jesus “turned water into best wine” (It’s OK to drink alcohol)

Is scripture being twisted?