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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Colossians 4:5–6.
The apostle exhorts them further to a prudent and decent conduct towards all those with whom they conversed, towards the heathen world, or those out of the Christian church among whom they lived (Col 4:5): Walk in wisdom towards those who are without. Be careful, in all your converse with them, to get no hurt by them, or contract any of their customs; for evil communications corrupt good manners; and to do not hurt to them, or increase their prejudices against religion, and give them an occasion of dislike. Yea, do them all the good you can, and by all the fittest means and in the proper seasons recommend religion to them. - Redeeming the time; that is, either "improving every opportunity of doing them good, and making the best use of your time in proper duty" (diligence in redeeming time very much recommends religion to the good opinion of others), or else "walking cautiously and with circumspections, to give them no advantage against you, nor expose yourselves to their malice and ill-will," Eph 5:15, Eph 5:16. Walk circumspectly, redeeming the time, because the days are evil, that is, dangerous, or times of trouble and suffering. And towards others, or those who are within as well as those who are without, "Let your speech be always with grace, Col 4:6. Let all your discourse be as becomes Christians, suitable to your profession - savoury, discreet, seasonable." Though it be not always of grace, it must be always with grace; and, though the matter of our discourse be that which is common, yet there must be an air of piety upon it and it must be in a Christian manner seasoned with salt. Grace is the salt which seasons our discourse, makes it savoury, and keeps it from corrupting. That you may know how to answer every man. One answer is proper for one man, and another for another man Pro 26:4, Pro 26:5. We have need of a great deal of wisdom and grace to give proper answers to every man, particularly in answering the questions and objections of adversaries against our religion, giving the reasons of our faith, and showing the unreasonableness of their exceptions and cavils to the best advantage for our cause and least prejudice to ourselves. Be ready always to give an answer to every man who asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear, Pe1 3:15.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
3 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
Since we must live among unbelievers and mix with them in worldly business, Paul urges us to be wise about the possibility of creating a stir, lest we give these folk an opportunity for blaspheming God or engaging in persecution. Why then should you carry on business with anyone that you know to be a source of contention and trouble? Thus, Paul admonishes us to use religious speech opportunely both as to time and place. But if anyone is difficult, be silent. Different courses of action are suitable for dealing with powerful people, with people of middle or lower stations in life. One deals one way with gentle persons, another way with those who are filled with anger. This is what it means to redeem the time. .
What Christ said to His disciples, that doth Paul also now advise. And what did Christ say? "Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves." (Matt. x. 16.) That is, be upon your guard, giving them no handle against you. For therefore it is added, "towards them that are without," in order that we may know that against our own members we have no need of so much caution as against those without. For where brethren are, there are both many allowances and kindnesses. There is indeed need of caution even here; but much more without, for it is not the same to be amongst enemies and foes, and amongst friends.
Then because he had alarmed them, see how again he encourages them; "Redeeming," he saith, "the time": that is, the present time is short. Now this he said, not wishing them to be crafty, nor hypocrites, (for this is not a part of wisdom, but of senselessness,) but what? In matters wherein they harm you not, he means, give them no handle; as he says also, when writing to the Romans, "Render to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due, custom to whom custom, honor to whom honor." (Rom. xiii. 7.) On account of the Preaching alone have thou war, he saith, let this war have none other origin. For though they were to become our foes for other causes besides, yet neither shall we have a reward, and they will become worse, and will seem to have just complaints against us. For instance, if we pay not the tribute, if we render not the honors that are due, if we be not lowly.
"Walk in wisdom" he saith, "towards them that are without, redeeming the time." That is, the time is not yours, but theirs. Do not then wish to have your own way, but redeem the time. And he said not simply, "Buy," but "redeem," making it yours after another manner. For it were the part of excessive madness, to invent occasions of war and enmity. For over and above the undergoing of superfluous and profitless dangers, there is this additional harm, that the Greeks will not come over to us. For when thou art amongst the brethren, reason is thou shouldest be bold; but when without, thou oughtest not to be so.
Seest thou how everywhere he speaks of those without, the Greeks? Wherefore also when writing to Timothy, he said, "Moreover, he must have good testimony from them that are without." (1 Tim. iii. 7.) And again, "For what have I to do with judging them that are without." (1 Cor. v. 12.) "Walk in wisdom," he saith, "toward them that are without." For "without," they are, even though they live in the same world with us, seeing they are without the kingdom, and the paternal mansion. And he comforts them withal, by calling the others "without," as he said above, "Your life is hid with Christ in God." (Col. iii. 3.)
Then, he saith, seek ye glory, then honors, then all those other things, but not so now, but give them up to those without.
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Summary
Colossians 4:5 provides a crucial directive from the Apostle Paul, urging believers to conduct themselves with intentional wisdom and discernment in their interactions with those outside the Christian faith. It is a call to strategic living, emphasizing the importance of maximizing every opportune moment to bear witness to the Gospel and to live a life that honors God and commends the Christian message to a watching world.
Context
Literary Context
This verse serves as a pivotal transition in Paul's letter to the Colossians. Having meticulously laid out profound theological truths regarding the supremacy of Christ and the believer's new identity in Him (Colossians 1-2), and then providing practical instructions for Christian living within the household and church (Colossians 3:18-4:1), Paul now broadens his scope. He shifts the focus from internal community dynamics to the outward-facing conduct of believers, specifically their engagement with non-Christians. This instruction is immediately followed by specific guidance on speech (Colossians 4:6) and a list of personal greetings and commendations (Colossians 4:7-18), underscoring the practical, relational nature of the Christian walk. Colossians 4:5 thus acts as a bridge, connecting the internal spiritual transformation with external missional responsibility.
Historical & Cultural Context
The church in Colossae existed within a complex Hellenistic environment, likely influenced by various philosophical and religious currents, including elements of Gnosticism, asceticism, and local pagan cults. Believers were a minority in a society that held different values and worldviews. Paul's exhortation to "walk in wisdom toward them that are without" was therefore highly pertinent. It was not merely about personal piety but about public witness in a pluralistic and often hostile setting. Their conduct, speech, and use of time would either validate or undermine the message of Christ in a culture where their lives were under scrutiny. The need for discernment was paramount to navigate social interactions, business dealings, and evangelistic opportunities effectively without compromising their faith or alienating potential converts.
Key Themes
Colossians 4:5 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Paul's letter and broader New Testament theology. The command to "Walk in wisdom" highlights the theme of Christian Prudence and Discernment, emphasizing that believers are to live thoughtfully, guided by divine wisdom rather than worldly folly. This echoes themes found in Ephesians 5:15, where Paul similarly calls for careful living. The phrase "toward them that are without" underscores the theme of Outward-Focused Witness and Evangelism. It reminds believers that their lives are a public testimony, and their conduct should be winsome and attractive to those who do not yet know Christ, preparing the way for the verbal proclamation of the Gospel (as further explained in Colossians 4:6). Finally, "redeeming the time" introduces the crucial theme of Stewardship of Opportunity. This is not merely about managing chronological time (Greek chronos) but about recognizing and seizing opportune moments (kairós) for spiritual impact. This concept is powerfully reiterated in Ephesians 5:16, urging believers to make the most of every chance, especially in a world marked by evil.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
From Strong's G4043, meaning "to tread all around, i.e. walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary)." In this context, "walk" is a common biblical metaphor for one's entire manner of life, conduct, or habitual behavior. It signifies the ongoing pattern of a believer's daily existence, encompassing all actions, attitudes, and choices. It's not a single act but a continuous lifestyle.
From Strong's G4678, meaning "wisdom (higher or lower, worldly or spiritual)." Here, it refers to spiritual wisdom, the practical application of divine truth to daily living. It implies discernment, prudence, and sound judgment, especially in navigating complex relationships and situations. It's the ability to see things from God's perspective and act accordingly.
From Strong's G1805, meaning "to buy up, i.e. ransom; figuratively, to rescue from loss (improve opportunity)." This is a powerful commercial term, implying a proactive, intentional effort to "buy out" or "buy up" something, often at a cost, to secure it for oneself. In this context, it means to actively seize and make the most of every opportunity, preventing it from being lost or wasted.
From Strong's G2540, meaning "an occasion, i.e. set or proper time." This is distinct from chronos (chronological time). Kairós refers to a specific, opportune, or critical moment – a season, a window of opportunity, a divinely appointed occasion. The command is not merely to manage hours but to recognize and leverage strategic moments for spiritual impact.
Verse Breakdown
"Walk in wisdom"
This is an imperative, a command for continuous action. "Walk" signifies the entirety of one's life and conduct. "In wisdom" indicates the guiding principle for this conduct. It means living with practical discernment, prudence, and understanding that stems from God's truth. It's about making thoughtful, Spirit-led choices in every interaction and situation, ensuring that one's life reflects godly character and sound judgment.
"toward them that are without"
This phrase identifies the specific audience for this wise conduct. "Them that are without" refers to those outside the Christian community, non-believers, or those who do not share the Christian faith. The preposition "toward" (Greek prós, G4314) emphasizes direction and relationship, implying that believers' conduct should be intentionally oriented towards influencing and engaging with this external group, recognizing that their lives are a public testimony.
"redeeming the time"
This is a participial phrase that describes how one is to walk in wisdom toward outsiders. "Redeeming" (Greek exagorázō) means to "buy up" or "buy out," suggesting a proactive, urgent, and perhaps costly effort to seize and maximize opportunities. "The time" (Greek kairós) refers to the opportune moment, the strategic occasion, rather than merely the passage of chronological hours. Thus, the command is to make the most of every favorable occasion, every interaction, and every season to advance God's purposes, especially in relation to those who do not know Christ.
Literary Devices
Colossians 4:5 employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is Metaphor, where "walk" (Greek peripatéō) serves as a comprehensive metaphor for one's entire manner of life or conduct. It's not about physical locomotion but about the trajectory and character of one's daily existence. The phrase "them that are without" uses Synecdoche, where a part (being outside the community) stands for the whole (non-believers), clearly delineating the target audience for the believer's wise conduct. Furthermore, the imperative "Walk" establishes an Exhortation, a direct command from Paul to the Colossian believers, emphasizing the urgency and importance of this instruction. Finally, the concept of "redeeming the time" presents a vivid Commercial Imagery, drawing from the marketplace idea of "buying up" or "buying out" something valuable, suggesting that opportunities are precious commodities to be seized and utilized to their fullest potential before they are lost.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Colossians 4:5 encapsulates a profound theological truth: the Christian life is inherently missional, extending beyond the confines of the church into the broader world. It underscores the believer's role as an ambassador for Christ, where every interaction with non-believers is an opportunity for witness. This verse connects the internal transformation wrought by Christ with the external responsibility of living a life that commends the Gospel. It highlights the importance of practical wisdom (sophia) as a spiritual gift and a cultivated discipline, essential for navigating complex social landscapes and effectively communicating the hope of Christ. Furthermore, it speaks to the stewardship of time, not merely as a finite resource but as a series of divine appointments, urging believers to be alert and proactive in leveraging every opportune moment for God's glory and the advancement of His kingdom. This holistic approach to Christian living ensures that faith is not merely a private conviction but a public testimony.
Reflection and Application
Colossians 4:5 offers timeless and profoundly practical guidance for believers in any era. It challenges us to live with an acute awareness that our lives are a continuous testimony to those who do not yet know Christ. This means cultivating a lifestyle marked by intentionality, where our actions, words, and even our use of time are carefully considered for their impact on others. In a world increasingly skeptical of faith, our consistent demonstration of integrity, grace, and genuine love often speaks louder than any sermon. We are called to be discerning in our interactions, seeking to understand the perspectives of non-believers and building bridges rather than walls. "Redeeming the time" compels us to be proactive, not passive, in our witness. It's about recognizing the "kairos" moments—the unexpected conversations, the opportunities to serve, the chance to offer a kind word—and seizing them for God's glory. This verse encourages us to view our daily routines, workplaces, social circles, and even online presence as fertile ground for demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel, ensuring that our lives are a compelling invitation to Christ.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "them that are without" mean in this verse?
"Them that are without" (Greek éxō, G1854) refers to those outside the Christian community or the church. It is a common New Testament phrase used to distinguish between believers and non-believers. In this context, it specifically means people who do not share the Christian faith, including pagans, those of other religions, or simply those who are not yet followers of Christ. Paul is instructing believers on how to conduct themselves in their interactions with the broader society, emphasizing the importance of their public witness.
What is the significance of "redeeming the time," and how does it differ from simply managing time?
The phrase "redeeming the time" (Greek exagorázō ton kairon) is highly significant. "Redeeming" (exagorázō) literally means "to buy up" or "to buy out," implying a proactive, urgent, and intentional effort to seize an opportunity, perhaps even at a cost, to prevent it from being lost. "Time" here is kairós (G2540), which refers to an opportune moment, a season, or a strategic occasion, rather than chronos, which denotes mere chronological time. So, it's not simply about efficient time management (though that can be part of it), but about recognizing and actively leveraging specific, divinely appointed opportunities for spiritual impact, especially in our interactions with non-believers. It's about making the most of every strategic moment that arises to advance God's purposes. This concept is powerfully echoed in Ephesians 5:16.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Colossians 4:5 finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect example in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of divine wisdom, always walking "in wisdom" (as seen in Luke 2:52) and perfectly discerning the opportune "time" (kairós) for every action, teaching, and miracle. Jesus consistently engaged with "them that are without"—tax collectors, sinners, Samaritans, Gentiles—demonstrating profound wisdom, grace, and intentionality in His interactions, always seeking to draw them to the Father (Luke 19:10). His entire earthly ministry was a masterful act of "redeeming the time," culminating in His ultimate sacrifice on the cross, which was the supreme act of "buying back" humanity from sin and death, thereby redeeming the lost opportunity for fellowship with God (Galatians 3:13). As believers, we are called to walk in Christ, empowered by His Spirit, to continue His mission of wise and intentional engagement with the world, making the most of every moment to reflect His light and share His redemptive message, knowing that our ability to do so is entirely dependent on His finished work and indwelling presence (Colossians 2:6-7).