Reflections Pertaining to 1 Peter 4:7

Greek (SBLGNT): Πάντων δὲ τὸ τέλος ἤγγικεν. σωφρονήσατε οὖν καὶ νήψατε ^[a]εἰς προσευχάς·

[a] ΠΕΤΡΟΥ Α΄ 4:7 εἰς WH Treg NIV] + τὰς RP

Craig Keener (1 Peter: A Commentary) accepts a "Neronian date" for Peter's first letter. Like Keener, I reckon that Peter or his amanuenses wrote the first letter around 62-64 CE: tradition also states that both Peter and Paul died around this time due to Neronian persecution. In any event, Nero was emperor of Rome between 54-68 CE. 

Reinhard Feldmeier believes that 1 Peter 4:7 clearly references the "imminent end" of the world (The First Letter of Peter, page 217). Compare Mark 1:15; James 5:8. However, one could argue that Peter's words have a more limited application to the end of Judaism as a systemic way of worshiping God in Jerusalem via the Second Temple. The Romans did come against Jerusalem in 70 CE; they destroyed temple and all. Could Peter have been referencing that τέλος drawing near?

Feldmeier links the imperatival σωφρονήσατε with the classical notion of "level-headedness and prudent self-control" (page 218). The Petrine counsel is part of what Feldmeier labels an "eschatological paraenesis." In point of fact, one sees NT writers stress prudence in Matthew 24:45; Romans 12:3, and 1 Timothy 2:9, 15; 3:2. A Christian manifests such prudence by expectantly and actively watching out for the Master, Christ Jesus (keeping spiritually awake). The second letter of Peter urges Christians to be "waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God" (2 Peter 3:12 NABRE) as they display holy acts of conduct and deeds of godly devotion (2 Peter 3:11 NWT). Finally, Peter exhorts his addressees to be sober-minded and pray (compare Matthew 26:41). Leading a virtuous Christian life is impossible without praying to Jehovah God. The Bible teaches that we can do nothing without God-given power beyond what is normal which issues through Christ Jesus (Acts 2:33; 2 Corinthians 4:7; Philippians 4:6-7).

With respect to some grammatical notes, Paul Achtemeier contends that Πάντων is emphatic and evidently neuter although it could be grammatically masculine (1 Peter, page 293). The Greek verb ἤγγικεν is perfect active indicative third singular of ἐγγίζω. Compare Matthew 4:17; 10:7; Hebrews 10:25; James 5:8.

σωφρονήσατε is aorist active imperative second person plural of σωφρονέω, and νήψατε is aorist active imperative second person plural of νήφω. See 1 Peter 1:13; 5:8.