1 Peter 1:13 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Wherefore Since your lot is fallen into these glorious times, wherein you enjoy such high privileges above what the people of God formerly enjoyed; since the blessings which are set before you are so invaluable, and are so freely offered you, and you have such great encouragement to believe you may attain them; gird up the loins of your mind Prepare to pursue them with vigour, constancy, and perseverance, and to perform the various duties which they lay you under an indispensable obligation steadily to practise. The apostle alludes to the manners of the eastern countries, in which the men's garments being long and flowing, they prepared themselves for travelling, and other active employments, by girding them up with a girdle put round their loins, to prevent their being encumbered by them. The loins of the mind, therefore, is a figurative expression for the faculties of the soul, the understanding, memory, will, and affections, which the apostle signifies must be gathered in and girded, as it were, about the soul by the girdle of truth, so as to be in a state fit for continual and unwearied exertion in running the Christian race, fighting the good fight of faith, and working out our salvation with fear and trembling. Our mind must not be overcharged at any time with surfeiting and drunkenness, or the cares of this life: our affections must be placed on proper objects, and in a just degree; and especially must be set on the things that are above, which are to be our portion and felicity for ever: our various passions must be under the government of reason and religion, of the truth and grace of God. Be sober Or rather, watchful, as νηφοντες properly signifies, as servants that wait for their Lord; and hope to the end Τελειως ελπισατε, hope perfectly, namely, with the full assurance of hope; for the grace The blessings flowing from the free favour of God; to be brought unto you at the final and glorious revelation of Jesus Christ At the end of the world. As obedient children As children of God, obedient to him in all things; not fashioning Or conforming; yourselves In spirit and conduct; according to Or, as if you were influenced by; your former desires in your ignorance When you were unacquainted with those better things which now claim the utmost vigour of your affections. But as he which hath called you To be his children and his heirs; is holy A being perfectly pure and spiritual; be ye holy In imitation of him, your heavenly Father; in all manner of conversation Εν παση αναστροφη, in your whole behaviour, in all your tempers, words, and works, from day to day.