Ep. 126: Peter disowns Jesus

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MATTHEW 26:69-72, MARK 14:66-70, LUKE 22:56-58, JOHN 18:17,18, 25

John was no stranger to the Palace of Caiaphas. We have already seen that, after the first panic of Jesus’ sudden capture and their own flight, Peter and John seem to have rallied speedily. We get the impression that Peter, so far true to his word, had been the first to stop in his flight and to follow ‘afar off.’ he had now been joined by John and the two followed the melancholy procession that escorted Jesus to the High Priest. John seems to have entered the court along with the guard, while Peter remained outside until John, who apparently was well known in the High Priest’s house, had spoken to the maid who kept the door - the male servants being probably all gathered in the court - and so was able to enter.

Peter advanced into the middle of the court, where, in the chill spring night, a coal fire had been lit. The glow of the charcoal threw a peculiar sheen on the bearded faces of the men as they crowded around it and talked of the events of that night. It was a chilly night when Peter approached the group around the fire. He would hear what they had to say. It was not safe to stand apart as he might be recognised as one of those who had only escaped capture in the garden by hasty flight.

Was he right in having come there at all? But now it was very chilly, to both body and soul and Peter remembered it all; not, indeed, the warning, but that of which he had been warned. What good could his confession do? Perhaps much possible harm. And why was he there? Peter was very restless and yet he must seem very quiet. He sat down among the servants, then he stood up among them. It was this awkward restlessness that attracted the attention of the maid who had first admitted him. As in the uncertain light she scanned the features of the mysterious stranger, she boldly charged him with being one of the disciples of the Man who stood incriminated up there before the High Priest.

And in the chattering of his soul’s fever, into which the chill had struck, Peter made a strong denial. Perhaps he spoke too much, inviting suspicion. What had he to do there? And why should he incriminate himself, or perhaps Jesus, by a needless confession to those who had no relevance to him? That was all he now remembered and thought; nothing about any denial of Jesus. And so, as they were still chatting together, Peter withdrew.

We cannot judge how long time had passed, but this we gather, that the words of the woman had either not made any impression on those around the fire, or that the bold denial of Peter had satisfied them. Presently, we find Peter walking away. He was not thinking of anything else now than how chilly it felt and how right he had been in not being entrapped by that woman. And just at this moment ‘a cock crowed.’

Edersheim describes what followed:

‘But there was no sleep that night in the High Priest’s Palace. As he walked down the porch towards the outer court, first one maid met him; and then, as he returned from the outer court. He once more encountered his old accuser, the door-portress; and as he crossed the inner court to mingle again with the group around the fire, where he had formerly found safety. He was first accosted by one man, and then they all around the fire turned upon him, and each and all had the same thing to say, the same charge, that he was also one of the disciples of Jesus of Nazareth. But Peter’s resolve was taken; he gave the same denial, briefer now, for he was collected and determined, but more emphatic - even with an oath.’

This is an extract from the book, Jesus : Life and Times, available for £12 here (Finalist for Academic Book of the year at 2023 CRT awards)