Ephesians 5:16 - Printer Friendly

ESV: making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.

NIV: making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

NASB: making the most of your time, because the days are evil.

CSB: making the most of the time, because the days are evil.

NLT: Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.

KJV: Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

NKJV: redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

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.

Ephesians 5:1–21 continues Paul's invaluable instructions on how Christians should live out their faith. Rather than imitating the world, or being controlled by worldly things, Christians are to be filled with the Spirit. Specific flaws such as sexual immorality, crude speech, and wasting of time are discouraged. Instead, believers ought to submit to one another out of respect for Christ, providing a powerful witness to the world.

Chapter 5 begins with an admonition to imitate Christ. In order to do so, Christians must avoid sexual immorality, vulgar language, foolishness, and other inappropriate attitudes. Paul warns that those who persist in these behaviors are not part of the kingdom of God. The passage then transitions to an explanation of mutual submission, including that between husbands and wives. Wives are to submit to their husbands, and respect them. Husbands are to love their wives in a Christ-like, sacrificial, and humble way.

Chapter 5 continues the very practical second half of the book of Ephesians. Chapter 4 encouraged Christians not to live as unbelievers do, but worthy of the gift we have been given. Chapter 5 gives even more direct application of these principles. Paul details impure attitudes and habits which Christians ought to put aside. He then details the proper approach to marriage, rooted in a Christian understanding of the gospel. This style of advice will continue through chapter 6. Paul's advice will culminate in a famous analogy about applying Christian principles to all of life, using the symbolism of a suit of armor.

Ephesians follows a theme common in Paul's writings: connecting theory with practice. In this book, however, he goes into greater depth before making the transition. As a letter meant to be read by more than just the believers at Ephesus, this is an important look at how Christian belief should translate into Christian action. The first three chapters lay out spiritual ideas, the last three chapters show how these truths should be applied in the life of a mature believer. Paul focuses heavily on love, the unity of the Christian church, and the incredible value of our salvation through Christ.

Accessed 5/7/2024 4:03:53 AM