I. Numerous Biblical references to "wine" and "strong drink"

    A. Over 256 references to "wine" in Bible.
    B. 15 references to "strong drink" in Bible.
    C. Wine was typically made from juice of grapes, dates, figs, pomegranates, and honey mixtures,
         allowing for fermentation processes. Distilling process developed later by Arabs.
    D. "New wine" referred to wine from most recent harvest - (Matt. 9:17; Acts 2:13)
    E. "Sour wine" was wine exposed to air, like vinegar - (Matt 27:48; John 19:29)
    F. "Strong drink" may have referred to barley beer, or to "mixed wine" with additives - (Song of
         Sol. 8:2; Prov. 23:29,30)

II. Use of alcohol in Biblical times

    A. Personal use.
         1. Part of common diet - (Gen. 14:18; Judg. 19:19; I Sam 16:20; II Chron. 11:11)
         2. Times of joy and feasting - Gen. 27:25; Isa. 22:13
         3. Coronations and weddings - I Chron. 12:39; John 2
         4. Gifts - I Sam 25:18; II Sam. 16:1
    B. Religious activity.
         1. Hebrew word for "feast" literally means "a drinking" - Esther 2:6; 8:17
         2. Wine used in feasts, offerings, and in temple - Exod. 29:40; Lev. 23:13; Numb. 15:7,10;
             28:14; I Sam. 1:24; 10:3,8; I Chron. 9:29.
         3. Christian observance of Lord's Supper - Mark 14:12-16
    C. Medical use - II Sam. 16:2 (fainting); Luke 10:34 (wounds); I Tim. 5:23 (gastro-intestinal);
          Prov. 31:6; Matt. 27:34 (sedative, anesthetic).

III. Abuse of alcohol.

    A. Intemperance and consequences - (Prov. 20:1; 21:17; 23:21,21,30-34; Isa. 5:11,22; Hosea 4:11;
          Hab. 2:5; Eph. 5:18)
    B. By priests - (Lev. 10:9; Numb. 6:3; Ezek. 44:21; Lk. 1:15; Matt. 11:18)
    C. By leaders - (Prov. 31:4,5; Isa. 28:7; Micah 2:11; I Tim. 3:3,8; I Peter 4:3)
    D. Addictive tendency - Prov. 23:28-35
         1. Drunkenness - Prov. 23:21; I Cor. 6:10; Gal. 5:21
         2. Alcoholism - "disease model"

IV. Figurative references to "wine"

    A. Symbol of blessing, goodness, joy - Gen. 27:28,37; Joel 2:24; Isa. 16:10; 24:9; 55:1;
         Jere. 48:33; Ezek 10:19; Zech. 10:7
    B. Symbol of judgment - Ps. 75:8; Isa. 51:17,22; Jere. 25:15,27; 49:12; Ezek. 23:31-34;
         Rev. 14:10; 16:19
    C. Mixed wine as symbol of spiritual adulteration - Isa. 1:22
    D. Symbol of Christian gospel - Amos 9:13,14; Matt. 9:17

V. Conclusions

    A. Jesus did not disapprove of or abstain from wine.
    B. Total abstinence from alcohol is not mandated for Christians.
    C. Moderation - I Cor. 8:8-13; Rom. 14:13-21
    D. Beware of invalid and subjective interpretations
         1. Misuse of Greek word oinos
         2. Legalism - Col. 2:20-23; I Cor. 10:23-33; I Tim. 4:3,4