Note 25 at Eph. 5:16: This phrase, "Redeeming the time," could be taken two different ways, either of which would be consistent with scripture. We can redeem the time in the sense of making the best use of our time (see NIV quoted in note 24 at v. 15). This seems to be the obvious meaning and fits the context of this verse.

This also could be speaking of the time in which we live or our social climate. In that sense, this would be speaking of having a sanctifying effect on our society. We could buy back (redeem) our culture from the ungodly direction it is headed.