Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Ephesians 5:15-17
[Biblehub]
The Greek word here for ‘redeeming’ is ἐξαγοράζω / exagorazó / ex-ag-or-AD-zo meaning 1. to buy up, i.e. ransom 2. (figuratively) to rescue from loss (improve opportunity)
In the Greco-Roman world an agora was more than a shopping district; it was a place where slaves were displayed and purchased. The verb under study evokes the decisive act of buying someone out of that market and removing the person from further sale. First-century readers would have immediately pictured a final, liberating transaction that transferred ownership forever. That concrete social practice becomes the Spirit-inspired metaphor for the saving work of Jesus Christ and for the way believers steward the fleeting opportunities of life.
Paul then uses this Greek word in this statement and moves it from justification to exhortation. Instead of people, it is now the kairos—each God-given moment—that must be rescued from the evil age. Believers buy up the passing opportunities by walking in wisdom, holiness, and evangelistic urgency. The purchase price is alertness, prayer, and Spirit-filled obedience. Thus, the redeemed become redeemers of time, turning ordinary interactions into eternal investments.
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This concept of ‘redeeming the time’, I tried to show in the novel Eutychus and how much it was part of the first century church and daily life, and the daily purpose of a believer and follower of Jesus. How does one actually do this? It must come through the obedience to the Holy Spirit’s personal instruction to you. What exactly does Paul mean that the “days are evil”? We who still live under the influence / atmosphere of the ‘Prince of this world’ are the reason we must ‘redeem the time’ until the One comes to make a new heaven and a new earth. We must be a ‘light’ in the darkness of this age and especially to everyone around us. Is this the “day the Lord has made”? Are you aware of His divine appointments He has for you this day? Are you listening for His counsel to you throughout the day? Is it easy? NO! The more you become filled with His ‘light’ the more the ‘bugs’ will come to swarm you. The more promotion you get spiritually, the more you become a ‘target’ of the enemies of God. The challenges will only get harder and faster the more spiritual wisdom and understanding you receive. Time will become precious the more you are on “His plan”. Don’t squander the time God has given you. We all are given a limited amount on this earth. Use it in accordance to His instruction to you.
Father at YOUR Throne – there is no time. YOU are Omnipresent. Jesus help us to redeem our time, and to make the most out of everyday YOU give us. Holy Spirit help us to hear you clearly, plainly, and directly.
Run towards God and find the slowing of time. Run from God and watch time slip through your fingers.