Episode 75: Redeem the time

Have you ever heard the idea of “redeeming the time”? By that phrase, we usually mean making good use of time that would otherwise be wasted. The phrase is a biblical one, coming from the King James translation of Paul’s words in Colossians 4:5; the New International Version translates it as “making the most of every opportunity” instead. It’s not simply a matter of trying to use every moment productively, but learning to see time itself from a heavenly perspective.

What is Chunks: Paul's Letter to the Colossians?

The church in the city of Colossae had recently been founded by one of the apostle Paul's colleagues; he had never met them personally. But he had heard of their faith and of some of the challenges that threatened to undermine that faith, including what seems to be the presence of false teachers who were leading them astray. Paul therefore writes to them from prison, lovingly encouraging them to realize the treasure they already have in the gospel. In so doing, he paints a magnificent and cosmic portrait of the Christ in whom they've already believed, and in whom they've been given a new and transformed nature. His words should help remind believers of every time and place that the Christ we worship is supreme. (Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture passages will be read from the New International Version.)