1 Timothy 5:23

Drink no longer water. In Paul’s day, as now, the water in many localities was often unsafe for use. Physical ailments such as dysentery, often due to contaminated water, were common occurrences. Consequently, other ways to quench thirst were often recommended.

Wine. Gr. oinos (see on ch. 3:8). Some commentators believe that Paul here advocates the temperate use of fermented wine for medicinal purposes. They call attention to the fact that wine has, through the centuries, thus been used.

Others hold that Paul refers to unfermented grape juice, their reasoning being that he would not give advice inconsistent with the rest of Scripture, which warns against the use of intoxicating beverages (see Prov. 20:1; 23:29–32).

Stomach’s sake. The purpose of Paul’s counsel is that Timothy should be physically fit for the heavy duties that rest upon him as administrator of the churches in Asia Minor. Mental and moral alertness are closely related to physical fitness.

Often infirmities. Apparently Timothy was frequently ill. A body frequently beset with infirmities is not an attractive advertisement for any kind of health reform.