12. Why can we believe that the apostle’s counsel beginning at 1 Peter 4:7 fits us at this time?

¹² “The end of all things has drawn close,” wrote the apostle Peter in his first letter (1 Pe 4:7). While the then existing Jewish system of things was due to end a few years after this letter was written (as the Romans destroyed Jerusalem and its temple in the year 70 C.E. and brought to an effective end the Jewish priesthood and its functions and sacrifices), the apostle’s inspired words have prime application and significance for our time when an entire world order is due to end. The apostle’s many references in this letter to the time for the “revelation” of Jesus Christ assure this.​—1 Pet. 1:5, 7, 13; 2:12; 4:13.

14. What is the meaning of the counsel to “be sound in mind”?

¹⁴ In view of the now fast approaching end, on what should we focus attention? “Be sound in mind, therefore,” is the inspired writer’s counsel, “and be vigilant with a view to prayers.” (1 Pet. 4:7) In place of ‘being sound in mind’ other translations read “remain calm” (The New American Bible), “sane” (Revised Standard Version), “be of sound judgment” (New American Standard). The apostle Paul used the same Greek word used by Peter when urging, “Let us not sleep on as the rest do, but let us stay awake and keep our senses.” (1 Thess. 5:6) Obviously this is no time for being senseless, frivolous or rash in judgment. It is a time for sober thought and conduct.