John Calvin Commentary Ephesians 5:16

"redeeming the time, because the days are evil." — Ephesians 5:16 (ASV)

Redeeming the time. By a consideration of the time, he enforces his exhortation. The days are evil. Everything around us tends to corrupt and mislead; so that it is difficult for godly persons, who walk among so many thorns, to escape unhurt.

Because such corruption has infected the age, the devil appears to have obtained tyrannical sway. Therefore, time cannot be dedicated to God without being in some way redeemed.

And what shall be the price of its redemption? To withdraw from the endless variety of allurements which would easily lead us astray; to rid ourselves from the cares and pleasures of the world; and, in a word, to abandon every hindrance.

Let us be eager to recover it in every possible way. And let the numerous offenses and arduous toil, which many are in the habit of offering as an excuse for indolence, serve rather to awaken our vigilance.