John 18:15-27

18:15 | Many scholars believe John was the other disciple who took Peter into the courtyard of the high priest. Peter himself probably would not have known the high priest.

18:16-17 | The Greek text indicates that the servant girl at the door expected Peter to respond with a “no.” Feeling the pressure of the moment - standing in that hostile environment and hearing the question asked in that way - Peter indeed issued his first denial.

18:18 | By warming himself at the fire of the people who were going to kill Jesus, Peter was not trying to fit in; he just did not want to stand out. Sadly, this is far too often the response of believers when they are put on the spot.

18:19-21 | When Jesus was asked about His disciples and His doctrine, He answered directly and challenged the high priest to ask those who had heard Him teach. His teaching had been in public, not in secret.

18:25-27 | When they asked if Peter was one of Jesus’ disciples, Peter issued his second denial. The third question came from Malchus’ relatives! The Greek construction indicates that he expected an affirmative answer: Did I not see you in the garden with him? Upon Peter’s third denial (Matt. 26:72), a rooster crowed.