Colossians 4:5
Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.
English Standard Version (ESV)
All verses
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Colossians 4:5
Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The phrase "redeeming the time" isn't just about not wasting time; it implies actively "buying up" opportunities as they arise, treating each moment as a precious chance to live wisely toward those outside the faith. This isn't about being passive, but about seizing the moment to demonstrate Christlike wisdom and make the gospel attractive.
As Paul concludes his letter, he shifts from theological instruction to practical advice for living out faith in the world. He urges believers to engage with those outside the Christian community not with judgment, but with thoughtful, wise behavior that makes the most of every opportunity to represent Christ. This wisdom is not just about being clever, but about living in a way that is both appealing and discerning, especially when their actions and words might be scrutinized by non-believers.
Ever feel like you're navigating a minefield when talking to people who don't share your faith? Paul gives us a strategy.
Paul urges believers to 'walk in wisdom toward outsiders.' This isn't just about being smart; it's about a practical, God-given wisdom that guides our actions and words.
What is 'Wisdom' Here?
This wisdom isn't the cleverness of the world, but a discerning, practical insight from God. It means being alert to the spiritual state of those around us and knowing how to interact with them in a way that honors Christ.
Why 'Outsiders'?
'Outsiders' refers to those outside the Christian community, the non-believers. Our conduct towards them is crucial. It can either build a bridge for the Gospel or erect a wall of prejudice. This wisdom helps us avoid causing stumbling blocks or giving anyone a reason to disrespect our faith.
Time slips through our fingers like sand. Paul urges us not to let it, especially when it comes to reaching others.
The command to 'redeem the time' (or 'buy up the time') is a powerful call to action. It means actively seizing and making the most of every opportunity, especially those that allow us to demonstrate Christ's love and truth.
What Does 'Redeem' Mean?
This word suggests buying something valuable out of the hands of another. Here, it implies actively purchasing or securing moments, not letting them pass by unproductively. It's about being intentional and strategic with our time in light of eternity.
The Urgency of the Moment
The context, especially when compared to Ephesians 5:16 ('making the best use of the time, because the days are evil'), suggests an awareness of the spiritual battle. We don't have endless time, and the world presents challenges. Therefore, we must be diligent in using our present opportunities to do good and speak truth.
Understand the original words
peripateō · Greek Verb
To live or conduct one’s life in a particular manner, emphasizing the practical, ongoing expression of one's faith.
sophia · Greek Noun
The practical application of spiritual knowledge; it involves discernment, godly character, and the ability to act according to God’s will in everyday life.
exō · Greek Adjective
Those outside the community of faith; non-believers who observe the conduct of the church.
kairos · Greek Noun
The God-ordained window of opportunity given to believers to fulfill their purpose; implies the necessity of urgency in stewardship.
Paul's instruction to 'walk in wisdom' and 'redeem the time' towards outsiders is deeply practical, reflecting the challenges of being a minority faith in a Roman world where misrepresentation and misunderstanding could lead to significant social friction or danger.
c. AD 60— this verse
Paul's Imprisonment in Rome
Paul writes the Epistle to the Colossians while under house arrest in Rome, awaiting trial. This context emphasizes the practical wisdom needed when interacting with those outside the faith, even under constraint.
c. AD 50-60
Spread of Christianity in Asia Minor
Christianity is establishing itself in cities like Colossae, a region influenced by Roman and Greek culture. This requires believers to navigate a complex social and religious landscape.
c. AD 50-60
Syncretism and Philosophical Influence
The region around Colossae was known for its blend of Jewish, pagan, and emerging philosophical ideas, which likely influenced the 'false teaching' mentioned in other parts of the letter.
c. AD 50-60
Persecution of Christians
While not systematic empire-wide, Christians faced suspicion and sporadic persecution from Roman authorities and local populations who viewed their exclusive monotheism as strange or even seditious.
meyerColossians 4:5: "Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time."
Colossians 4:5 f. Another exhortation, for which Paul must still have had occasion, although we need not seek its link of connection with the preceding one. Comp. Ephesians 5:15 f., where the injunction here given in reference to the non-Christians is couched in a general form. ἐν σοφίᾳ ] Practical Christian wisdom (not mere prudence; Chrysostom aptly quotes Matthew 10:16 ) is to be the element , in which their w…
ellicottColossians 4:5: "Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time."
(5) Walk in wisdom . . . redeeming the time. —In the parallel passage ( Ephesians 5:15 ) we have “walk strictly, not as fools, but as wise,” and the limitation “towards them that are without” is omitted, although it is added that “the days are evil.” The context, as will be seen by reference, is different, and the idea also somewhat different. There the “strictness” and “wisdom” are to guard against excess or rec…
The phrase "redeeming the time" isn't just about not wasting time; it implies actively "buying up" opportunities as they arise, treating each moment as a precious chance to live wisely toward those outside the faith. This isn't about being passive, but about seizing the moment to demonstrate Christlike wisdom and make the gospel attractive.
As Paul concludes his letter, he shifts from theological instruction to practical advice for living out faith in the world. He urges believers to engage with those outside the Christian community not with judgment, but with thoughtful, wise behavior that makes the most of every opportunity to represent Christ. This wisdom is not just about being clever, but about living in a way that is both appealing and discerning, especially when their actions and words might be scrutinized by non-believers.
As Paul concludes his letter, he shifts from theological instruction to practical advice for living out faith in the world. He urges believers to engage with those outside the Christian community not with judgment, but with thoughtful, wise behavior that makes the most of every opportunity to represent Christ. This wisdom is not just about being clever, but about living in a way that is both appealing and discerning, especially when their actions and words might be scrutinized by non-believers.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Colossians 4:5 is available in the Sola app.
"Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time." — The phrase "redeeming the time" isn't just about not wasting time; it implies actively "buying up" opportunities as they arise, treating each moment as a precious chance to live wisely toward those o…