Colossians 4:5

Commentary on Colossians 4:5

Colossians 4:5 is a concise yet powerful instruction from the Apostle Paul, urging believers to live with intentionality and discernment in their interactions with the world outside the church. It serves as a vital guide for Christian conduct and evangelism.

Context

This verse is part of Paul's concluding exhortations in his letter to the church at Colossae. Having previously addressed various aspects of Christian doctrine (the supremacy of Christ, spiritual maturity) and practical living within the household (wives, husbands, children, slaves, masters), Paul now broadens his scope. He shifts focus from internal church dynamics to the believers' outward-facing conduct, specifically how they are to engage with non-Christians. This instruction sets the stage for the subsequent verses (Colossians 4:6), which deal with speech and prayer in this context.

Key Themes

• Wisdom in Conduct: The command to "Walk in wisdom" emphasizes the importance of living a life that reflects godly discernment and prudence. This isn't merely about avoiding sin, but actively demonstrating Christ-like character and sound judgment in all dealings. It implies a thoughtful and strategic approach to daily life, ensuring that one's actions honor God and are a positive testimony to observers. This call to walk circumspectly or wisely is echoed elsewhere in Paul's writings.
• Outward Focus: "Toward them that are without" clearly indicates that the primary audience for this wise conduct is those outside the Christian faith. Believers are called to be conscious of how their lives are perceived by non-believers, recognizing that their behavior can either commend or hinder the message of the Gospel. This highlights the missional aspect of everyday Christian living, where every interaction is an opportunity for witness.
• Seizing Opportunity: The phrase "redeeming the time" is a crucial element. It means making the most of every opportune moment or season. It's a call to be proactive and strategic in utilizing time, not merely letting it pass by. In the context of dealing with "them that are without," this implies being ready to leverage every encounter or situation for God's glory and for sharing the good news of Christ. This theme is also powerfully articulated in Ephesians 5:16.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "redeeming the time" translates from the Greek exagorazō ton kairon (ἐξαγοράζω τὸν καιρόν).

• Exagorazō (redeeming/buying up) literally means "to buy out" or "to buy up from the market." It suggests seizing an opportunity with urgency and intention, perhaps even at a cost, to secure it for oneself. It implies a sense of urgency and making the most of a fleeting opportunity.
• Kairon (time) refers to "opportune time," a specific season, or a critical moment, rather than merely chronological time (chronos). This reinforces the idea that believers should be alert to divine appointments and strategic moments for spiritual impact.

Practical Application

Colossians 4:5 has profound implications for believers today:

• Conscious Living: It challenges us to live with an awareness of our impact on those around us who do not yet know Christ. Our actions, attitudes, and words are a continuous testimony. We are to let our light shine before others so that they may see our good works and glorify God.
• Intentionality in Relationships: We should be intentional in our interactions with non-believers, seeking opportunities to build bridges, demonstrate love, and share the hope that is within us.
• Stewardship of Time: This verse underscores the value of time as a precious resource from God. Every moment is an opportunity for spiritual growth, service, and witness. It encourages us to prioritize effectively and avoid wasteful living, especially when it comes to opportunities to influence others for Christ.
• Evangelistic Readiness: It reminds us to be prepared to speak truthfully and graciously about our faith when the opportune moment arises, as further elaborated in the following verse (Colossians 4:6).