And be not drunken with wine, wherein is riot, but be filled with the Spirit;
excess--worthless, ruinous, reckless prodigality. wherein--not in the wine itself when used aright (Ti1 5:23), but in the "excess" as to it. but be filled with the Spirit--The effect in inspiration was that the person was "filled" with an ecstatic exhilaration, like that caused by wine; hence the two are here connected (compare Act 2:13-18).
Giving thanks always for all things,.... For things temporal, for our beings, and the preservation of them, and for all the mercies of life; for things spiritual, for Christ, and for all spiritual blessings in him; for electing, redeeming, sanctifying, adopting, pardoning, and justifying grace; for a meetness for heaven, and for eternal life itself; for the Gospel, promises, truths, ordinances, and ministry; and this...
Verse 18. And be not drunk with wine. A danger to which they were exposed, and a vice to which those around them were much addicted. . It is not improbable that in this verse there is an allusion to the orgies of Bacchus, or to the festivals celebrated in honour of that heathen god.