Colossians 4:5
Act wisely toward outsiders, redeeming the time.
Act wisely
The Greek word for "wisely" is "σοφία" (sophia), which denotes a deep, God-given understanding and insight. In the context of this verse, it suggests that believers are called to exhibit discernment and prudence in their interactions with those outside the Christian faith. This wisdom is not merely intellectual but is rooted in a spiritual understanding that aligns with God's will. Historically, the early church was surrounded by a diverse and often hostile culture, necessitating a careful and thoughtful approach to evangelism and daily conduct. Acting wisely involves being aware of the cultural and social dynamics at play and responding in a way that reflects Christ's love and truth.

toward outsiders
The term "outsiders" refers to those who are not part of the Christian community. In the first-century context, this would include both Jews and Gentiles who had not accepted the message of the Gospel. The early Christians were often viewed with suspicion and misunderstanding, so their conduct toward non-believers was crucial in either opening or closing doors for the Gospel. The call to act wisely toward outsiders emphasizes the importance of living a life that is both attractive and authentic, serving as a testimony to the transformative power of Christ.

redeeming the time
The phrase "redeeming the time" comes from the Greek "ἐξαγοραζόμενοι τὸν καιρόν" (exagorazomenoi ton kairon). "Exagorazomenoi" means to buy back or make the most of, and "kairon" refers to a specific, opportune moment or season. This phrase suggests an urgency and intentionality in how believers are to use their time, especially in their interactions with non-believers. In a historical context, the early Christians faced persecution and limited opportunities to share their faith, making it imperative to seize every chance to witness effectively. Theologically, this reflects the understanding that time is a precious gift from God, and believers are called to use it purposefully for His glory, particularly in advancing His kingdom through wise and loving engagement with the world.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul the Apostle
The author of the letter to the Colossians, writing to the church in Colossae to instruct and encourage them in their faith.

2. Colossae
An ancient city in Phrygia, Asia Minor, where the church to whom Paul is writing is located.

3. Outsiders
Refers to those who are not part of the Christian community, often implying non-believers or those outside the faith.

4. The Colossian Church
The recipients of Paul's letter, a group of early Christians facing various challenges and needing guidance on how to live out their faith.

5. The Roman Empire
The broader cultural and political context in which the Colossian church existed, influencing their interactions with "outsiders."
Teaching Points
Wisdom in Conduct
As believers, we are called to act wisely in our interactions with those outside the faith. This involves discernment, understanding, and a Christ-like attitude.

Redeeming the Time
The phrase "redeeming the time" suggests making the most of every opportunity. In the original Greek, "redeeming" (exagoraz?) implies buying back or making the most of something valuable. We should be intentional in our daily lives, using our time to glorify God and witness to others.

Witness to Outsiders
Our conduct should reflect the love and truth of Christ, serving as a testimony to those who do not yet know Him. This requires patience, kindness, and a readiness to share the gospel.

Cultural Awareness
Understanding the cultural context of those we interact with can help us communicate the gospel more effectively. We should strive to be culturally sensitive while remaining true to biblical principles.

Prayerful Dependence
Seeking God's wisdom through prayer is essential in navigating our relationships with outsiders. We should continually ask for guidance and strength to represent Christ well.
Bible Study Questions
1. How can we practically "act wisely" in our daily interactions with non-believers?

2. What are some specific ways we can "redeem the time" in our current cultural context?

3. How does understanding the original Greek meaning of "redeeming" enhance our application of this verse?

4. In what ways can we prepare ourselves to be effective witnesses to those outside the faith?

5. How can we balance cultural awareness with maintaining our Christian convictions when engaging with outsiders?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ephesians 5:15-16
Paul similarly advises the Ephesians to walk wisely and make the most of every opportunity, emphasizing the importance of living purposefully in a challenging world.

1 Peter 3:15
Peter encourages believers to be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks about their hope, highlighting the need for wisdom in interactions with non-believers.

Matthew 5:16
Jesus instructs His followers to let their light shine before others, connecting to the idea of acting wisely and being a positive witness to outsiders.
Colossians Iv. 5, 6St. Chrysostom Colossians 4:5
The Behaviour of Christians in the WorldT. Croskery Colossians 4:5
The Wisdom of the Church in its Relations to the WorldW.F. Adneney Colossians 4:5
Without and WithinAlexander MaclarenColossians 4:5
Prayer and PrudenceR. Findlayson Colossians 4:2-6
The Life of Prayer and SympathyR.M.e Colossians 4:2-6
Christian Deportment Towards UnbelieversA. Monod, D. D.Colossians 4:5-6
Christian Worldly WisdomJ. Daille.Colossians 4:5-6
Godly Walk in Evil CompanyColossians 4:5-6
Improve the MomentsBowes.Colossians 4:5-6
Redeeming the TimeJ. G. Angley, M. A.Colossians 4:5-6
Redeeming the TimeRobert Hall.Colossians 4:5-6
The Christian and the WorldU.R. Thomas Colossians 4:5, 6
The Christians Conduct and Conversation in the WorldE.S. Prout Colossians 4:5, 6
The Duties of Those Within to These WithoutA. Maclaren, D. D.Colossians 4:5-6
The Merchandise of TimeP. Grant.Colossians 4:5-6
The Redemption of TimeT. Watson, B. A.Colossians 4:5-6
The Redemption of TimeRobert Newton, D. D.Colossians 4:5-6
The Right Use of TimeL. O. Thompson.Colossians 4:5-6
The Value of a Minister's TimeW. Baxendale.Colossians 4:5-6
The Value of TimeColossians 4:5-6
The Wisdom of Kindness as a Means of ConversionA. Monod, D. D.Colossians 4:5-6
The Wise and Winsome WalkT. L. Cuyler, D. D.Colossians 4:5-6
The Wise Conduct of LifeG. Barlow.Colossians 4:5-6
Wesley's Economy of TimeW. Baxendale.Colossians 4:5-6
People
Archippus, Aristarchus, Barnabas, Christians, Colossians, Demas, Epaphras, Justus, Luke, Marcus, Mark, Onesimus, Paul, Tychicus
Places
Colossae, Hierapolis, Laodicea
Topics
Act, Behave, Behaviour, Buying, Conduct, Forestalling, Making, Opportunities, Opportunity, Outside, Outsiders, Redeeming, Relation, Towards, Walk, Wisdom, Wise, Wisely, Yourselves
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Colossians 4:5

     4903   time
     4966   present, the
     5047   opportunities, in life
     5048   opportunities, and salvation
     5402   market
     5979   waste
     7545   outsiders
     8367   wisdom, importance of
     8438   giving, of time

Colossians 4:4-6

     8497   witnessing, approaches

Colossians 4:5-6

     8493   watchfulness, believers

Library
Without and Within
'Them that are without.'--COL. iv. 5. That is, of course, an expression for the non-Christian world; the outsiders who are beyond the pale of the Church. There was a very broad line of distinction between it and the surrounding world in the early Christian days, and the handful of Christians in a heathen country felt a great gulf between them and the society in which they lived. That distinction varies in form, and varies somewhat in apparent magnitude according as Christianity has been rooted in
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Thirtieth Day for the Holy Spirit with the Word of God
WHAT TO PRAY.--For the Holy Spirit with the Word of God "Our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance."--1 THESS. i. 5. "Those who preached unto you the gospel with the Holy Ghost sent forth from heaven."--1 PET. i. 12. What numbers of Bibles are being circulated. What numbers of sermons on the Bible are being preached. What numbers of Bibles are being read in home and school. How little blessing when it comes "in word" only; what
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession

Marcus, My Son
'... So doth Marcus, my son.'--1 Peter v. 13. The outlines of Mark's life, so far as recorded in Scripture, are familiar. He was the son of Mary, a woman of some wealth and position, as is implied by the fact that her house was large enough to accommodate the 'many' who were gathered together to pray for Peter's release. He was a relative, probably a cousin (Col. iv. 10, Revised Version), of Barnabas, and possibly, like him, a native of Cyprus. The designation of him by Peter as 'my son' naturally
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

The Name Above Every Name
'Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.'--ACTS ii. 36. It is no part of my purpose at this time to consider the special circumstances under which these words were spoken, nor even to enter upon an exposition of their whole scope. I select them for one reason, the occurrence in them of the three names by which we designate our Saviour--Jesus, Lord, Christ. To us they are very little more than three proper
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Conflict and Comfort.
"For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; that their hearts may be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgment of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ."--COL. ii. 1, 2. Although he was in prison the Apostle was constantly at work for his Master, and not least of all at the work of prayer. If ever the words
W. H. Griffith Thomas—The Prayers of St. Paul

Prayer and Fervency
"St. Teresa rose off her deathbed to finish her work. She inspected, with all her quickness of eye and love of order the whole of the house in which she had been carried to die. She saw everything put into its proper place, and every one answering to their proper order, after which she attended the divine offices of the day. She then went back to her bed, summoned her daughters around her . . . and, with the most penitential of David's penitential prayers upon her tongue, Teresa of Jesus went forth
Edward M. Bounds—The Necessity of Prayer

Twenty-Eighth Day that all God's People May Know the Holy Spirit
WHAT TO PRAY.--That all God's People may know the Holy Spirit "The Spirit of truth, whom the world knoweth not; but ye know Him; for He abideth with you, and shall be in you."--JOHN xiv. 17. "Know ye not that your body is a temple of the Holy Ghost?"--1 COR. vi. 19. The Holy Spirit is the power of God for the salvation of men. He only works as He dwells in the Church. He is given to enable believers to live wholly as God would have them live, in the full experience and witness of Him who saves
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession

Author's Introduction,
In Which the Sources of This History Are Principally Treated A history of the "Origin of Christianity" ought to embrace all the obscure, and, if one might so speak, subterranean periods which extend from the first beginnings of this religion up to the moment when its existence became a public fact, notorious and evident to the eyes of all. Such a history would consist of four books. The first, which I now present to the public, treats of the particular fact which has served as the starting-point
Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus

We Shall not be Curious in the Ranking of the Duties in which Christian Love...
We shall not be curious in the ranking of the duties in which Christian love should exercise itself. All the commandments of the second table are but branches of it: they might be reduced all to the works of righteousness and of mercy. But truly these are interwoven through other. Though mercy uses to be restricted to the showing of compassion upon men in misery, yet there is a righteousness in that mercy, and there is mercy in the most part of the acts of righteousness, as in not judging rashly,
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

From John Yeardley's Conversion to the Commencement of his Public Ministry.
1803--1815. John Yeardley was born on the 3rd of the First Month, 1786, at a small farm-house beside Orgreave Hall, in the valley of the Rother, four miles south of Rotherham. His parents, Joel and Frances Yeardley, farmed some land, chiefly pasture, and his mother is said to have been famous for her cream-cheeses, which she carried herself to Sheffield market. She was a pious and industrious woman; but, through the misconduct of her husband, was sometimes reduced to such straits as scarcely to have
John Yeardley—Memoir and Diary of John Yeardley, Minister of the Gospel

"And Watch unto Prayer. "
1 Pet. iv. 7.--"And watch unto prayer." "Watch." A Christian should watch. A Christian is a watchman by office. This duty of watchfulness is frequently commanded and commended in scripture, Matt. xxiv. 42, Mark xiii. 33, 1 Cor. xvi. 13, Eph. vi. 18, 1 Pet. v. 8, Col. iv. 2; Luke xii. 37. David did wait as they that did watch for the morning light. The ministers of the gospel are styled watchmen in scripture and every Christian should be to himself as a minister is to his flock, he should watch over
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Epistle xxxii. To Anastasius, Presbyter .
To Anastasius, Presbyter [1714] . Gregory to Anastasius, &c. That a good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth good things (Matth. xii. 35; Luke vi. 45), this thy Charity has shewn, both in thy habitual life and lately also in thy epistle; wherein I find two persons at issue with regard to virtues; that is to say, thyself contending for charity, and another for fear and humility. And, though occupied with many things, though ignorant of the Greek language, I have nevertheless sat
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

Exhortations to Christians as they are Children of God
1 There is a bill of indictment against those who declare to the world they are not the children of God: all profane persons. These have damnation written upon their forehead. Scoffers at religion. It were blasphemy to call these the children of God. Will a true child jeer at his Father's picture? Drunkards, who drown reason and stupefy conscience. These declare their sin as Sodom. They are children indeed, but cursed children' (2 Peter 2:14). 2 Exhortation, which consists of two branches. (i) Let
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

Mental Prayer.
"Pray without ceasing."--1 Thess. v. 17. There are two modes of praying mentioned in Scripture; the one is prayer at set times and places, and in set forms; the other is what the text speaks of,--continual or habitual prayer. The former of these is what is commonly called prayer, whether it be public or private. The other kind of praying may also be called holding communion with God, or living in God's sight, and this may be done all through the day, wherever we are, and is commanded us as the
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII

Meditations of the True Manner of Practising Piety on the Sabbath-Day.
Almighty God will have himself worshipped, not only in a private manner by private persons and families, but also in a more public sort, of all the godly joined together in a visible church; that by this means he may be known not only to be the God and Lord of every Singular person, but also of the creatures of the whole universal world. Question--But why do not we Christians under the New, keep the Sabbath on the same seventh day on which it was kept under the Old Testament? I answer--Because our
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

How the Gospels came to be Written
[Illustration: (drop cap B) Early Christian Lamp] But how did the story of the Saviour's life on earth come to be written? We have seen that many years passed before any one thought of writing it down at all. The men and women who had really seen Him, who had listened to His voice, looked into His face, and who knew that He had conquered death and sin for evermore, could not sit down to write, for their hearts were all on fire to speak. But as the years passed, the number of those who had seen Christ
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making

Of the Words Themselves in General.
We come now to the words themselves, wherein Christ asserts that he is, 1, "the way;" 2, "the truth;" 3, "the life;" and, 4, "that no man cometh to the Father but by him." In them we learn these two things in general. First, The misery of wretched man by nature. This cannot be in a few words expressed. These words will point out those particulars thereof, which we will but mention. 1. That he is born an enemy to, and living at a distance from God, by virtue of the curse of the broken covenant of
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

Gen. xxxi. 11
Of no less importance and significance is the passage Gen. xxxi. 11 seq. According to ver. 11, the Angel of God, [Hebrew: mlaK halhiM] appears toJacob in a dream. In ver. 13, the same person calls himself the God of Bethel, with reference to the event recorded in chap. xxviii. 11-22. It cannot be supposed that in chap xxviii. the mediation of a common angel took place, who, however, had not been expressly mentioned; for Jehovah is there contrasted with the angels. In ver. 12, we read: "And behold
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

"Be Ye Therefore Sober, and Watch unto Prayer. "
1 Pet. iv. 7.--"Be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer." We now come to consider the coherence and connexion these duties have one to another. First, Prayer is the principal part of the Christian's employment, and sobriety and watchfulness are subordinate to it. "Be sober, and watch unto prayer." (1.) Prayer is such a tender thing that there is necessity of dieting the spirit unto it. That prayer may be in good health, a man must keep a diet and be sober, sobriety conduces so much to its
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

The Parables Exemplified in the Early History of the Church.
"To Him shall prayer unceasing And daily vows ascend; His Kingdom still increasing, A Kingdom without end." We have seen that our Lord described in His Parables the general character and nature of "The Kingdom of Heaven." Consequently, if the Church established by the Apostles under the guidance of the Holy Ghost is "The Kingdom of Heaven," it will necessarily be found to agree with the description thus given. Let us therefore now consider how far the history of the Church, in the Acts of the Apostles
Edward Burbidge—The Kingdom of Heaven; What is it?

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