Ephesians 5:16
Verse
Context
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Redeeming the time - Εξαγοραζομενοι τον καιρον· Buying up those moments which others seem to throw away; steadily improving every present moment, that ye may, in some measure, regain the time ye have lost. Let time be your chief commodity; deal in that alone; buy it all up, and use every portion of it yourselves. Time is that on which eternity depends; in time ye are to get a preparation for the kingdom of God; if you get not this in time, your ruin is inevitable; therefore, buy up the time. Some think there is an allusion here to the case of debtors, who, by giving some valuable consideration to their creditors, obtain farther time for paying their debts. And this appears to be the sense in which it is used by the Septuagint, Dan 2:8 : Επ' αληθειας οιδα εγω, ὁτι καιρον ὑμεις εξαγοραζετε· I know certainly that ye would gain or buy time - ye wish to have the time prolonged, that ye may seek out for some plausible explanation of the dream. Perhaps the apostle means in general, embrace every opportunity to glorify God, save your own souls, and do good to men. Because the days are evil - The present times are dangerous, they are full of trouble and temptations, and only the watchful and diligent have any reason to expect that they shall keep their garments unspotted.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Redeeming the time-- (Col 4:5). Greek, "Buying up for yourselves the seasonable time" (whenever it occurs) of good to yourselves and to others. Buying off from the vanities of "them that are without" (Col 4:5), and of the "unwise" (here in Ephesians), the opportune time afforded to you for the work of God. In a narrower sense, special favorable seasons for good, occasionally presenting themselves, are referred to, of which believers ought diligently to avail themselves. This constitutes true "wisdom" (Eph 5:15). In a larger sense, the whole season from the time that one is spiritually awakened, is to be "redeemed" from vanity for God (compare Co2 6:2; Pe1 4:2-4). "Redeem" implies the preciousness of the opportune season, a jewel to be bought at any price. WAHL explains, "Redeeming for yourselves (that is, availing yourselves of) the opportunity (offered you of acting aright), and commanding the time as a master does his servant." TITTMANN, "Watch the time, and make it your own so as to control it; as merchants look out for opportunities, and accurately choose out the best goods; serve not the time, but command it, and it shall do what you approve." So PINDAR [Pythia, 4.509], "The time followed him as his servant, and was not as a runaway slave." because the days are evil--The days of life in general are so exposed to evil, as to make it necessary to make the most of the seasonable opportunity so long as it lasts (Eph 6:13; Gen 47:9; Psa 49:5; Ecc 11:2; Ecc 12:1; Joh 12:35). Besides, there are many special evil days (in persecution, sickness, &c.) when the Christian is laid by in silence; therefore he needs the more to improve the seasonable times afforded to him (Amo 5:13), which Paul perhaps alludes to.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess,.... The sin of drunkenness here dehorted from, is a custom, or habit, of voluntary excessive drinking of any strong liquor, whereby the mind is disturbed, and deprived of the use of reason: though wine is only here mentioned, that being the usual liquor drank in the eastern countries, yet the same holds good of any other strong liquor, as of that; nor is drinking wine for necessary use prohibited, nor for honest delight and lawful pleasure; but excessive drinking of it, and this voluntary, and with design, and on purpose; otherwise persons may be overtaken and intoxicated, through ignorance of the strength of the liquor, and their own weakness; and it is a custom, or habit of excessive drinking, for not a single act, but a series of actions, a course of living in this sin, denominates a man a drunkard; and generally speaking, excessive drinking deprives persons of the use of reason, though not always; and such are criminal, who are mighty to drink wine, and strong to mingle strong drink; as are also such, who though not guilty of this sin themselves, are the means of it in others: the sin is very sinful; it is one of the works of the flesh; it is an abuse of the creature; it is opposed to walking honestly; for it persons are to be excluded from the communion of the church; and, without the grace of true repentance, shall not inherit the kingdom of heaven: many things might be said to dissuade from it; it hurts the mind, memory, and judgment; deprives of reason, and sets a man below a beast; it brings diseases on the body, and wastes the estate; it unfits for business and duty; it opens a door for every sin, and exposes to shame and danger; and therefore should be carefully avoided, and especially by professors of religion: but be filled with the Spirit; that is, "with the Holy Spirit", as read the Vulgate Latin and Ethiopic versions; with the gifts and graces of the Spirit: some have been filled with them in an extraordinary way, as the apostles on the day of Pentecost; and others in an ordinary manner, as common believers; and who may be said to be filled with the Spirit, as with wine, or instead of it, or in opposition to it, when the love of God is shed abroad in their hearts by the Spirit, which is compared to wine, for its antiquity, purity, and refreshing nature; and they are filled with it, who have a comfortable sense of it, and a firm persuasion of interest in it, and are delighted with the views of it, and are as it were inebriated with it; and they are filled with the Spirit, in whom his grace is a well of living water, and out of whose belly flow rivers of it; and who have a large measure of spiritual peace and joy, expressed in the following manner.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:16 Make the most of every opportunity: See also Col 4:5. • in these evil days: See Matt 24:6-12, 15-22; 2 Thes 2:3-10.
Ephesians 5:16
Children of Light
15Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,16redeeming the time, because the days are evil.17Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Be My Witnesses (Compilation)
By Compilations4.8K09:42CompilationPSA 37:4MAT 5:14MRK 11:23ROM 12:211CO 16:14EPH 5:161TI 5:8In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of making a difference in the world and not living a self-consumed life. They urge listeners to not let the sun go down without touching someone's soul or bringing the love of God into someone's life. The speaker shares their personal experience of someone coming into their life with the sole objective of leading them to God, and encourages listeners to do the same for others. They emphasize that every believer has a calling from God to break the strongholds of sin and darkness and bring others into the freedom of Jesus Christ.
The Mantle of Elijah - Part 1
By David Wilkerson3.5K30:092KI 2:92CH 7:14ISA 6:8JHN 14:12ROM 12:21CO 10:11EPH 5:162TI 1:6JAS 4:41PE 5:8This sermon focuses on the story of Elijah and Elisha from 2 Kings 2, highlighting the passing of the mantle from Elijah to Elisha and the desire for a double portion of God's Spirit for each succeeding generation. It emphasizes the need for greater faith, miracles, and anointing of the Holy Spirit in our lives today. The journey of Elijah and Elisha through Bethel and Jericho symbolizes the challenges and societal issues we face, urging us to discern the spiritual condition of our surroundings and seek revival.
The Use of Your Time
By Steven J. Lawson2.8K1:02:48JOB 14:5PSA 90:12PSA 139:16LUK 14:13JHN 15:5JHN 19:301CO 10:312CO 4:18EPH 5:16This sermon delves into the life and resolutions of Jonathan Edwards, highlighting his unwavering commitment to glorifying God, his perspective on time and eternity, and his preparation for death. Edwards' resolutions focused on living with an eternal perspective, making the most of time, and considering the pains of martyrdom and hell. His life exemplified a dedication to pursuing God's will and maximizing every moment for God's glory, culminating in his faithful death at a young age.
What Time Is It? Christ's Coming
By F.J. Huegel2.3K49:37MAT 24:12MAT 25:1MRK 13:10JHN 8:12EPH 5:16REV 22:20In this sermon, the preacher discusses the theme of "What time is it?" referring to the position of the Son of Righteousness according to God's clock. He mentions that there are signs indicating that it is very late, possibly minutes before midnight. The preacher references the parable of the virgins, where five were wise and five were foolish, emphasizing the need to be prepared for the coming of the bridegroom. He also highlights the importance of preaching the gospel to every creature and the need for Christians to watch and pray, as we do not know the hour of the Lord's coming. The preacher encourages believers to abide in Him so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed.
A Lost Opportunity
By J. Glyn Owen2.1K42:59Bearing FruitMAT 3:8MAT 7:16LUK 12:48LUK 13:6JHN 15:16ACT 2:1EPH 5:16In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a parable about a barren fig tree and its implications for our lives. The parable emphasizes the importance of producing fruit and the consequences of not doing so. The vine dresser pleads for one more chance for the tree, showing compassion despite the tree's lack of productivity. The speaker applies this parable to our own lives, urging us to examine our faith, repentance, and dedication to God. He reminds us that God expects us to produce fruit and calls us to redeem the time and fulfill our purpose in life.
1973
By Jack Hyles1.1K38:36DAN 11:32MAT 6:33JHN 3:32CO 4:6EPH 5:16REV 12:11In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that our world is heading towards moral decay and darkness. He highlights the increasing prevalence of drug use, alcohol consumption, profanity, nudity in entertainment, adultery, and homosexuality as signs of this decline. However, amidst this darkness, the preacher believes that Jesus is the light of the world and that this is a crucial time to serve God and build a strong church. The sermon also mentions a prophecy from the Bible that states that those who truly know God will be strong and will do great exploits, but they will also face persecution and suffering.
Holl-08 De Dood en Opstanding Van Israël (The Death and Resurrection of Israel)
By Art Katz90548:18HollandMAT 6:33EPH 5:16HEB 9:271PE 4:7REV 1:8In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing the prophetic reality in our daily circumstances. He believes that God uses seemingly accidental experiences to convey specific messages to us. The speaker also mentions the need to pray for various individuals, including a doctor, a psychologist, and a bicycle maker. He shares a conversation he had with a man on a train, discussing the breakdowns of modern civilization. The speaker then encourages the listener to read Psalm 82 and 83, as he plans to speak on them in the future. He concludes by stating that the current crisis of violence in Israel is just the beginning and will not improve.
Process of Becoming a Bride - Part 4
By Hattie Hammond89032:47Bride Of ChristMAT 10:37MAT 12:36MAT 24:12GAL 2:20EPH 5:16REV 5:9REV 19:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the urgency of the Holy Spirit's work in the world today. They highlight the acceleration of sin and ungodliness, with blasphemy against Jesus becoming more prevalent. Despite these challenges, the speaker reminds the audience of their privileged position as believers, having the opportunity to know and hear the voice of God. They emphasize the importance of not drawing back but fully embracing the price Jesus paid for believers to share in his throne. The sermon concludes with a call to learn to say "amen" to God's will, just as the worship in heaven is filled with adoration and affirmation of God's glory.
Front-Line Folly
By George Verwer80032:50MAT 6:332CO 2:11EPH 5:16EPH 6:111PE 5:6In this sermon, the speaker discusses the folly of missionaries who play around with language study instead of taking it seriously. He shares his observations from visiting OM teams for 27 years and highlights the importance of producing results when living on a limited budget. The speaker also mentions a message he shared with leaders from the Muslim world, titled "Front Line Folly," which he couldn't easily share with the public or new recruits. Overall, the sermon emphasizes the need for missionaries to be dedicated and focused on their mission.
The Missionary Emergency
By A.B. Simpson0Missionary WorkUrgency of EvangelismISA 6:8MAT 9:37MAT 28:19MRK 16:15JHN 4:35ROM 10:141CO 16:9EPH 5:162TI 4:2REV 22:12A.B. Simpson emphasizes the urgency of the missionary call, likening it to life-and-death emergencies that demand immediate action. He highlights the dire spiritual needs of humanity, the vast number of souls yet unreached, and the swift passage of time as reasons for Christians to actively engage in evangelism. Simpson calls for a courageous response to the open doors for spreading the Gospel, urging believers to 'redeem the time' and fulfill their obligation to share Christ with the world. He warns that the opportunity for evangelization may close if not acted upon swiftly, and he encourages steadfastness in the face of opposition. Ultimately, he inspires a sense of responsibility and urgency in the mission of the Church.
The Years the Locusts Have Eaten
By Watchman Nee0RestorationRedemption of TimePSA 90:12JOL 2:25ROM 8:282CO 5:17EPH 5:16Watchman Nee emphasizes the profound truth that God can restore the years lost to regret and waste, as expressed in Joel 2:25. He encourages believers to release their lament over squandered time, reminding them that it is God who redeems and repurposes our past for His glory. Nee highlights that in God's economy, the value of time is not measured by earthly standards, and even a single hour dedicated to Him can yield eternal significance. Therefore, we should find comfort and courage in God's ability to transform our wasted years into fruitful service.
A Jewel More Worth Than a World!
By Thomas Brooks0Value of TimeAccountabilityPSA 90:12ECC 3:1MAT 25:14ROM 13:112CO 5:10GAL 6:10EPH 5:16COL 4:5JAS 4:141PE 4:7Thomas Brooks emphasizes the immense value of time, likening it to a jewel that surpasses worldly riches. He urges believers to recognize that time is a divine talent for which they will be held accountable, and stresses the urgency of using it wisely to fulfill their spiritual responsibilities. Brooks highlights the various tasks at hand, including saving souls, honoring God, and overcoming temptations, all of which require diligent use of time. He calls on the congregation to reflect on their lives and the importance of redeeming the time in light of the evil days we live in.
Amusements
By J.R. Miller0Balance of Amusement and ResponsibilityJoy in ChristianityPSA 16:11PRO 17:22ECC 3:12MAT 11:28JHN 10:10ROM 14:171CO 10:31GAL 5:22EPH 5:16COL 3:17J.R. Miller emphasizes the importance of amusement in the Christian life, arguing against the notion that all forms of pleasure are sinful. He highlights that true Christian joy reflects the character of Christ, who, despite his sorrows, embodied joy and did not frown upon innocent pleasures. Miller asserts that while Christians should engage in proper amusements that rejuvenate and uplift, they must also be discerning, ensuring that their choices align with their spiritual growth and moral standards. He encourages believers to create and participate in wholesome activities that foster joy and community, rather than condemning all forms of amusement. Ultimately, Miller calls for a balanced approach to life that integrates joy with responsibility, reflecting the true essence of Christian living.
On Redeeming the Time
By John Wesley0Time ManagementSpiritual DisciplinePRO 6:9EPH 5:16John Wesley emphasizes the importance of 'redeeming the time' by being mindful of how we spend our hours, particularly in relation to sleep. He argues that excessive sleep can lead to wasted time, poor health, and spiritual lethargy, urging believers to rise early as a form of self-denial and discipline. Wesley highlights that this practice not only benefits physical health but also enhances spiritual vitality, enabling a deeper connection with God. He encourages Christians to seek divine strength in their efforts to rise early and to maintain consistency in this discipline. Ultimately, Wesley calls for a holistic approach to time management that fosters both physical and spiritual well-being.
God's Time - Man's Time : Whose Time?
By Valsan Thampu0PSA 90:4ECC 3:11MAT 6:34LUK 4:18EPH 5:16HEB 12:1JAS 4:142PE 3:8Dr. Zac Varghese from London delves into the concepts of Chronos and Kairos time, emphasizing the importance of experiencing special moments that transcend ordinary time and lead to extraordinary encounters with God. He reflects on the speed of God's actions compared to human actions, highlighting the significance of living in the present moment and the transformative power of now. Mrs. Mini Krishnan shares insights on the immeasurability of time in Hindu mythology, illustrating how selfless work can reverse the effects of time and rejuvenate the spirit.
Time's Shortness
By Thomas Watson0JOB 14:1PSA 133:1ECC 3:21CO 7:292CO 1:12EPH 3:20EPH 5:16REV 12:12REV 14:11REV 14:13Thomas Watson preaches a sermon on the shortness of time, emphasizing the brevity and transitoriness of life. He urges believers to love one another, avoid discord, and strive for unity. Watson highlights the importance of self-examination, repentance, and making the best use of time for God's glory. He warns the wicked of the consequences of sin and encourages the godly to find comfort in the shortness of their suffering and waiting time, looking forward to the eternal reward in heaven.
The Dandelion Is Unusual
By Walter Wilson0PSA 126:5DAN 12:3MAT 13:23GAL 6:9EPH 5:162TI 4:2Walter Wilson preaches about the valuable lessons we can learn from the persistent and diligent dandelion, which grows and blooms regardless of its surroundings, teaching us to be faithful in spreading the Word of God and serving Him joyfully in all circumstances. Just as the dandelion multiplies quickly and spreads its seeds far and wide, we are called to be fruitful and shine as stars by turning many to righteousness. The dandelion's resilience and ability to bloom in any situation challenge us to be unwavering and consistent in our service to God, always ready to share His love and truth with others.
The Time Is Short - Eph. 5:16
By Bernard Fell0MAT 25:211CO 3:12EPH 5:16COL 4:51TH 5:6Bernard Fell preaches on the importance of seizing the opportunity to redeem the time in the midst of evil days, emphasizing the value of each moment as a precious gift from God. He urges believers to seek God's approval above all else, warning against investing in worldly praise which leads to eternal loss. Fell encourages the congregation to focus on present responsibilities, using time wisely to serve others, pray earnestly, and reflect the love of Christ in all actions, while eagerly awaiting the return of the Lord.
A Plea to Pray for Pastors
By Gardiner Spring0PSA 102:17ROM 15:301CO 9:27EPH 5:16COL 4:31TH 5:252TH 3:1HEB 13:18JAS 5:16Gardiner Spring emphasizes the vital role of prayer in shaping and supporting ministers of the Gospel. He highlights the need for congregations to fervently pray for their ministers, as their prayers can empower and uplift them to effectively carry out their divine calling amidst the challenges and temptations they face. Spring underscores the importance of ministers being upheld by the prayers of their people, as neglecting this duty can lead to spiritual declension and ineffectiveness in ministry. He urges believers to engage in a concert of prayer for ministers, recognizing the significant impact of consistent intercession on the spiritual well-being and effectiveness of those who proclaim God's truth.
A Heart Problem
By Warren Wiersbe0PSA 5:3PSA 90:12MRK 1:35ROM 12:11CO 6:19EPH 5:16COL 3:17JAS 4:14REV 1:5Warren Wiersbe emphasizes the importance of starting the day by meeting with God in the morning, drawing inspiration from Psalm 5:1-12 and Mark 1:35. He highlights the significance of being like a priest who offers sacrifices of praise to God each morning, symbolizing total dedication and surrender. Wiersbe reminds believers that through faith in Jesus Christ, they are made priests to God, with their bodies being His temple. He encourages dedicating each day as a living sacrifice to the Lord, seeking His guidance and viewing each day as a gift to be stewarded well.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Redeeming the time - Εξαγοραζομενοι τον καιρον· Buying up those moments which others seem to throw away; steadily improving every present moment, that ye may, in some measure, regain the time ye have lost. Let time be your chief commodity; deal in that alone; buy it all up, and use every portion of it yourselves. Time is that on which eternity depends; in time ye are to get a preparation for the kingdom of God; if you get not this in time, your ruin is inevitable; therefore, buy up the time. Some think there is an allusion here to the case of debtors, who, by giving some valuable consideration to their creditors, obtain farther time for paying their debts. And this appears to be the sense in which it is used by the Septuagint, Dan 2:8 : Επ' αληθειας οιδα εγω, ὁτι καιρον ὑμεις εξαγοραζετε· I know certainly that ye would gain or buy time - ye wish to have the time prolonged, that ye may seek out for some plausible explanation of the dream. Perhaps the apostle means in general, embrace every opportunity to glorify God, save your own souls, and do good to men. Because the days are evil - The present times are dangerous, they are full of trouble and temptations, and only the watchful and diligent have any reason to expect that they shall keep their garments unspotted.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Redeeming the time-- (Col 4:5). Greek, "Buying up for yourselves the seasonable time" (whenever it occurs) of good to yourselves and to others. Buying off from the vanities of "them that are without" (Col 4:5), and of the "unwise" (here in Ephesians), the opportune time afforded to you for the work of God. In a narrower sense, special favorable seasons for good, occasionally presenting themselves, are referred to, of which believers ought diligently to avail themselves. This constitutes true "wisdom" (Eph 5:15). In a larger sense, the whole season from the time that one is spiritually awakened, is to be "redeemed" from vanity for God (compare Co2 6:2; Pe1 4:2-4). "Redeem" implies the preciousness of the opportune season, a jewel to be bought at any price. WAHL explains, "Redeeming for yourselves (that is, availing yourselves of) the opportunity (offered you of acting aright), and commanding the time as a master does his servant." TITTMANN, "Watch the time, and make it your own so as to control it; as merchants look out for opportunities, and accurately choose out the best goods; serve not the time, but command it, and it shall do what you approve." So PINDAR [Pythia, 4.509], "The time followed him as his servant, and was not as a runaway slave." because the days are evil--The days of life in general are so exposed to evil, as to make it necessary to make the most of the seasonable opportunity so long as it lasts (Eph 6:13; Gen 47:9; Psa 49:5; Ecc 11:2; Ecc 12:1; Joh 12:35). Besides, there are many special evil days (in persecution, sickness, &c.) when the Christian is laid by in silence; therefore he needs the more to improve the seasonable times afforded to him (Amo 5:13), which Paul perhaps alludes to.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess,.... The sin of drunkenness here dehorted from, is a custom, or habit, of voluntary excessive drinking of any strong liquor, whereby the mind is disturbed, and deprived of the use of reason: though wine is only here mentioned, that being the usual liquor drank in the eastern countries, yet the same holds good of any other strong liquor, as of that; nor is drinking wine for necessary use prohibited, nor for honest delight and lawful pleasure; but excessive drinking of it, and this voluntary, and with design, and on purpose; otherwise persons may be overtaken and intoxicated, through ignorance of the strength of the liquor, and their own weakness; and it is a custom, or habit of excessive drinking, for not a single act, but a series of actions, a course of living in this sin, denominates a man a drunkard; and generally speaking, excessive drinking deprives persons of the use of reason, though not always; and such are criminal, who are mighty to drink wine, and strong to mingle strong drink; as are also such, who though not guilty of this sin themselves, are the means of it in others: the sin is very sinful; it is one of the works of the flesh; it is an abuse of the creature; it is opposed to walking honestly; for it persons are to be excluded from the communion of the church; and, without the grace of true repentance, shall not inherit the kingdom of heaven: many things might be said to dissuade from it; it hurts the mind, memory, and judgment; deprives of reason, and sets a man below a beast; it brings diseases on the body, and wastes the estate; it unfits for business and duty; it opens a door for every sin, and exposes to shame and danger; and therefore should be carefully avoided, and especially by professors of religion: but be filled with the Spirit; that is, "with the Holy Spirit", as read the Vulgate Latin and Ethiopic versions; with the gifts and graces of the Spirit: some have been filled with them in an extraordinary way, as the apostles on the day of Pentecost; and others in an ordinary manner, as common believers; and who may be said to be filled with the Spirit, as with wine, or instead of it, or in opposition to it, when the love of God is shed abroad in their hearts by the Spirit, which is compared to wine, for its antiquity, purity, and refreshing nature; and they are filled with it, who have a comfortable sense of it, and a firm persuasion of interest in it, and are delighted with the views of it, and are as it were inebriated with it; and they are filled with the Spirit, in whom his grace is a well of living water, and out of whose belly flow rivers of it; and who have a large measure of spiritual peace and joy, expressed in the following manner.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:16 Make the most of every opportunity: See also Col 4:5. • in these evil days: See Matt 24:6-12, 15-22; 2 Thes 2:3-10.