The Pulpit Commentary on Ephesians 5:16

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

Redeeming the time, because the days are evil; or, buying up for yourselves the opportunity, the idea being that of a merchant who, knowing the value of an article and the good use to which he can put it, buys it up.

The opportunity is the opportunity of spreading the light and acting according to it; and the reason assigned, "because the days are evil," indicates that, owing to the prevalence of evil, there is much need for the light over which the Christian has control.

It may be hinted likewise that the prevalence of evil is apt to cool the love and diminish the zeal of the Christian; hence the need for special eagerness of spirit in the matter—he must greedily watch for his opportunity.

More for Ephesians 5:16

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

Other commentaries

commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Ephesians 5:1-16The love and the wrath of God enforcing morality. Paul is still working for the unity of the Church and calling for that watchful and pure walk on the part of the Ephesians which can alone promote it. He consequently br…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Ephesians 5:1-33EXPOSITIOnJoseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryPreservatives from Impurity; Cautions and Admonitions. (a. d. 61.)PRESERVATIVES FROM IMPURITY; CAUTIONS AND ADMONITIONS. (A. D. 61.) These verses contain a caution against all manner of uncleanness, with proper remedies and arguments proposed: some further cautions are added, and othe…Matthew Henry commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Ephesians 5:3-21THE WALK SUITABLE TO THE CHILDREN OF LIGHT.Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryMatthew Henry on Ephesians 5:15-21Another remedy against sin, is care, or caution, it being impossible else to maintain purity of heart and life. Time is a talent given us by God, and it is misspent and lost when not employed according to his design. If…Matthew Henry commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Ephesians 5:15-21(2) Two worlds of one race. "See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Ephesians 5:15-21Walk circumspectly, or strictly. The apostle goes on to urge a circumspect, wise, and earnest life, closely conformed in all things to the will of God, fashioned according to that idea of wisdom which is set forth in th…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Ephesians 5:15-21Exhortation to exercise wisdom in regard to our manner of walk. "Look therefore carefully how ye walk, not as unwise, but as wise." The object to which we are to look is this—how we walk; in other words, the conduct of…Joseph S. Exell and contributors