Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; (1 Peter 1:13)
In view of the blessings and hopes contained in the revealed splendor of gospel (vs. 3-12), Peter proceeds with his exhortation.
Gird up.
Gr. anazōnnumi, literally, “having girded up,” denoting an action already performed. Anazōnnumi was used to describe the action of the Oriental in gathering up the long folds of his outer garment and tucking them into his waistband or girdle prior to such physical effort as walking or running (see on Ps. 65:6; cf. Luke 12:35; Eph. 6:14). In view of the priceless gift of salvation (1 Peter 1:9, 10) Peter exhorts his hearers similarly to prepare their minds for diligent activity.
Loins.
Or, “waist,” where a girdle is worn. The word is here used metaphorically to complete the picture suggested by “gird up.”
Be sober.
Gr. nēphō, used in classical Greek for abstention from intoxicating drink, but consistently employed in a metaphorical sense in the NT to indicate intellectual and spiritual sobriety and balance (cf. on 1 Thess. 5:6; 2 Tim. 4:5; 1 Peter 4:7; 5:8).
End.
Gr. teleiōs, “fully,”“perfectly,” an adverb that may qualify the previous verb, nēphō, giving the thought “be perfectly sober”; or it may qualify “hope,” with the sense “hope fully,” that is, persevere in hope.
Grace.
Gr. charis (see on John 1:14; Rom. 3:24). Here, “grace” refers to blessings conferred by the gospel.
Is to be brought.
Literally, “is being brought,” implying a continual reception of grace.
Revelation.
Gr. apokalupsis (cf. vs. 5, 7). Peter here sets forth the Christian walk as a growing realization of the presence of Jesus Christ, a deepening fellowship that surpasses the closest earthly friendship. Day by day the life and work of the Saviour will be increasingly revealed to the child of God until the final “revelation” occurs at the second coming. Those who adoringly view Him then will be those who have already come to know Him in this life.
Mind.
Gr. dianoia (see on Luke 1:51). The Christian should gather up the loose ends of his thinking, should cease speculating on unprofitable topics, and should exercise his mind on the great truths of salvation revealed by the Spirit of Christ (1 Peter 1:11).