Pastor Luther Walker’s teaching explores the deeper meaning of the Greek word ἐξαγοράζω (exagorazō), often translated simply as “redeemed” in English Bibles. Derived from “agora” (marketplace), it literally means “to buy out” or “purchase back” from the market—implying a complete removal from sale or bondage, with a stronger sense of finality than basic purchase.
He emphasizes that exagorazō conveys buying back or purchasing out from something, such as:
Christ buying back Jews from the curse of the Mosaic Law by becoming a curse Himself (Galatians 3:13), since covenants cannot be annulled without the death of the testator (Hebrews 9:16; Galatians 3:15).
Redeeming those under the law to grant adoption/placement as sons (Galatians 4:5).
Believers buying back time in evil days, making wise use of opportunities amid malignant, spreading evil (Ephesians 5:16; Colossians 4:5)—walking wisely toward outsiders, speaking gracefully, and living worthy of Christ.
Our bodies and lives belonging to God, bought with a price, so we glorify Him, flee fornication, and avoid becoming slaves to men (1 Corinthians 6:20; 7:23).
False teachers denying the Lord who bought them, exploiting with deceptive words and destructive heresies like imposing law for victory over sin (2 Peter 2:1-3).
He distinguishes this from another redemption word, λυτρόω (lutroō), meaning to ransom or set free by paying a price (e.g., Luke 24:21; Titus 2:14; 1 Peter 1:18)—freeing from lawless deeds or futile traditions with Christ’s precious blood.
In the current Laodicean church age (Revelation 3), many focus on wealth and numbers over doctrine and maturity. Christ urges buying refined gold (true riches in maturity) from Him to cover spiritual nakedness.
Overall, the message calls believers to recognize their purchased status—not under law but in grace as sons—avoiding legalism, wisely redeeming time for God’s will, and living to please Him rather than men or wasting life in the world’s system.
