Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 Peter 4:7

"But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore of sound mind, and be sober unto prayer:" — 1 Peter 4:7 (ASV)

As is common in the NT, the final salvation of Christians is set before them to stimulate their faith and to encourage them in difficulty. “The end of all things” has now drawn near. All is in readiness. “Therefore” introduces the ethical implications of this realization. Jesus taught responsible living in the light of his return (cf. Lk 12:35-43; 17:26–27). Christians must not give way to “eschatological frenzy” but practice self-control and be active in prayer. (Peter himself had set a negative example in his failure to watch and pray in the Garden [Matthew 26:40–41].)