[TheRealThing]

My leaning is to think that wine in it's natural state is fermented. I've seen all kinds of experts confidently declaring it either was, or was not fermented wine that the Lord made from water. But the important thing here, according to J. Vernon McGee, is that we Christians are to be like the water pots. Filled with the water of life, The Word of God, so that once shared, or "born to the governor," that He (Christ) will then turn it into the 'wine of joy' through the knowledge of the truth. Some 'sow,' 'some water,' but it is God Who giveth the increase. The water did not become wine, until it was drawn from the pots and served. And the Good News does no good until we who are called to serve, bear it to those who thirst.

In 1 Timothy, Paul is seen giving Timothy advice on a number of things. One of them being in Chapter 5 verse 23, to take a little wine for his stomach's sake, to ease his oft occurring infirmities. I say that wine was fermented, thus it's medicinal affect.

In Titus Chapter 1 verse 7, one of the qualifications of a Bishop is to not be given to wine. Fermented. Who really cares if a Bishop drinks grape juice?

In 1 Timothy Chapter 3 verse 8, one of the qualifications of being a Deacon is not to given to MUCH wine. The indication here is self control, and the wine would obviously have been fermented.

Back to Titus again and in Chapter 2 verse 3, the aged women are not to be given to MUCH wine. Again obviously fermented.

I believe the people of Israel were largely under control, and did not ruin their lives with alcoholic excess, nor would they have allowed themselves to be bad examples before their children by getting drunk. They were after all a religious folk. Further, if it had medicinal effects for Timothy, then it would have had medicinal effects for the average Joe. Knocking back a case of Bud Light every couple three days, bears no faint similarity to Jewish tradition.