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The term “kairos” originated from ancient Greek, signifying “opportunity,” “season,” or “fitting time.” In contrast, another Greek term for “time” was “chronos.” Chronos denoted a sequence of moments, highlighting the duration of time, while kairos referred to an appointed time without considering its length. Consequently, chronos was more linear and quantitative, whereas kairos was characterized by nonlinearity and qualitative aspects.
Within the New Testament, the word “kairos” and its related terms are mentioned 86 times. This term often conveys the concept of an opportune moment or a suitable time for a particular action. When we seize the day, we are making use of the kairos presented to us. The term kairos is etymologically linked to the Greek word “kara” (meaning “head”), indicating a critical moment that demands decisive action.
In Jesus’ parable of the wheat and the tares, the Lord describes the impending judgment as a harvest: “At that time [kairos] I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn” (Matthew 13:30). By employing kairos in this context, Jesus underscores that Judgment Day is a predetermined moment when specific events appropriate for that day will unfold.
There was an appointed time for the birth of John the Baptist: “And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be f… (Matthew 13:30).
Fulfilled in their season.” (Luke 1:20). The Lord promises to reward His servants at “the proper time” “And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?” (Luke 12:42). Jesus predicts that Israel will be judged “because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you” “and shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.” (Luke 19:44, emphasis added). Each of these uses of kairos denotes a unique time in which something special was to happen.
The Bible warns that we should take full advantage of the opportunities God gives us. Unbelievers have the responsibility to respond to opportunities to believe the gospel. Jesus’ first recorded sermon was simple: “The time [kairos] has come. . . . The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” “and saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.” (Mark 1:15). When the people of Galilee were confronted with Jesus’ life-changing message, God expected them to believe.
Governor Felix was listening to Paul speak, and “as [Paul] reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, ‘Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity [kairos] I will summon you’” “And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.”(Acts 24:25, ESV). Felix desired to choose his own moment to respond to the gospel, disregarding the current opportunity. Consequently, he did respond—by rejecting the gospel.
Paul emphasized the urgency of the gospel: “I tell you, now is the time [kairos] of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation” «(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, And in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) », (2 Corinthians 6:2). There exists a moment of opportunity to embrace God’s salvation, and we are unaware of when that moment will cease.
Believers should seize opportunities to serve the Lord. “As we have opportunity [kairos], let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” «As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. », (Galatians 6:10). We must be “making the most of every opportunity [kairos], because the days are evil” «redeeming the time, because the days are evil. », (Ephesians 5:16). And “let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time [kairos] we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” «And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. », (Galatians 6:9).
