1. Galatians 5:21 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

What are drunkenness and orgies?

Galatians 5:21 (ESV)

21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

The final two vices concern a licentious lifestyle, where one remains unconstrained by moral norms (see Romans 13:13; 1 Peter 4:3). Drinking wine in moderation is not sinful (Psalm 104:15; John 2:10; 1 Timothy 5:23) but getting drunk and losing control is.1 Orgies is likely a reference to the pagan festivals in which people would get drunk and have sexual relations with strangers.2 Participation in wild parties and orgies is a testimony that someone is living under the control of the old sinful flesh, and not the new age that has been inaugurated by Jesus Christ.3