What does Ephesians 5:16 mean?

Paul continues with a command regarding how we utilize our time. Depending on the translation, this could be thought of as "making the most of every opportunity." Paul was personally familiar with the perspective that each day could be his last. He had been beaten, shipwrecked, stoned, and imprisoned, not knowing if he would live to see another day (2 Corinthians 11:24–28). In addition, he taught Christ would return at any moment (1 Thessalonians 4:13–18). Believers are to live holy lives and share the gospel in preparation for our inevitable departure.

Paul also notes another purpose for believers to make the best use of time: the time he lived in was rampant in sin. Just as Noah lived a godly life prior to a time of judgment, Paul urged his readers to live holy lives in obedience to the Lord, knowing the evil days in which they lived indicated that judgment could come soon.