In this work, the topic of wine in the Pastoral Epistles is explored by means of exegetical and theological interpretation of the major New Testament passages devoted to this issue. In particular, the present research is aimed at establishing how wine mentioned in 1 Timothy and Titus contributes to the ethical, pastoral, and theological teaching of the early Christian church. Wine was one of the most common elements of everyday life in the Greco-Roman world and had social as well as medicinal importance; however, throughout the Pastoral Epistles, the themes of moderation, self-control, and spirituality predominate over total prohibition or unlimited use of this product. In this paper, the inconsistency between the passages warning the church members against drunkenness and/or addiction to wine and the recommendations of St. Paul for Timothy to drink a little bit of wine for the sake of his health is analyzed.

These findings show that Paul’s anxiety about wine in this case is pastoral and moral but not ceremonial or ascetic in nature. This law is aimed at fighting against drinking, addiction, and behavior that makes Christians look like hypocrites in front of others, and also permits the use of wine in a proper way. The church leaders especially are required to practice discipline because their conduct has a direct effect on the spiritual life of the church members. Therefore, this research finds out that the Bible’s teachings concerning wine in the Pastoral Epistles emphasize temperance and responsible usage of resources.

Keywords: Pastoral Epistles, Wine, Exegesis, 1 Timothy, Titus, Christian Ethics, Church Leadership, Temperance, Pastoral Theology.