The Days Are Evil
The Days Are Evil
Ephesians 5:15-16 In our increasingly evil times, walking carefully and in the light of Jesus Christ is excellent advice.
“Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil.”
Ephesians 5:15-16 NASB1995
A short and simple message today, as I’m not “making the most of” my time, to paraphrase these verses. This part of the message from Paul to the church of Ephesus has one main point: that walking in the light means walking in wisdom.
Paul reminds the members of the church to walk carefully and wisely, not as foolish and unwise men. Some commentators believe that the phrase “not as unwise men” (which is translated as “not as fools” in the NKJV) refers to the worship of the ancient god Bacchus, which was basically partying and drinking.
British theologian Adam Clarke focused on this phrase, saying “Here is a most evident allusion to the orgies of Bacchus, in which his votaries acted like madmen; running about, tossing their heads from shoulder to shoulder, appearing to be in every sense completely frantic.”1
So, rather than acting like a drunken fool, Paul recommends “making the most of your time” or “redeeming the time”, as it is translated in the NKJV. Enduring Word provides a succinct commentary of the rest of the verses:
b. Redeeming the time: There were two ancient Greek words used for time. One had the idea simply of day upon day and hour upon hour. The other had the idea of a definite portion of time, a time where something should happen. It is the difference between time and the time. The idea here is of the time; it is a definite season of opportunity that Christians must redeem. This same word is translated opportunity in Galatians 6:10.
i. Paul isn’t telling us to make the most of every moment, even though that is good advice. He tells us to seize opportunity for the glory of Jesus. It isn’t to make the most of time, but to make the most of the time.
ii. The idea behind redeeming the time is that you buy up opportunities like a shrewd businessman. You make the most of every opportunity for Jesus Christ.
c. Because the days are evil: This is another reason why it is important to walk wisely. Jesus spoke of a time when, many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold (Matthew 24:11-12). Surely we are in those times, because the days are evil.
In our increasingly evil times, walking carefully and in the light of Jesus Christ is the only way to conduct our lives.
Heaven On Wheels Daily Prayer:
Today’s prayer is from Knowing Jesus —
Heavenly Father, I pray that I may submit to the leading and guidance of Your Spirit. May I be filled to overflowing with His graces, and live my life in willing submission to Him. Keep me from anything that discredits Your name in the areas of gluttony, drunkenness, or lack of self-control. Lead me in the path of righteousness, for Your name's sake. In Jesus' name, AMEN.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org.
Scripture quotations marked "NKJV" are taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
Clarke, Adam "Clarke's Commentary: The Holy Bible Containing the Old and New Testaments with a Commentary and Critical Notes" Volume 6 (Romans-Revelation) (New York: Eaton and Mains, 1832)