15 And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. Now that disciple was known to the high priest, and went with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest. 16 But Peter stood at the door outside. Then the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to her who kept the door, and brought Peter in. 17 Then the servant girl who kept the door said to Peter, “You are not also one of this Man’s disciples, are you?” He said, “I am not.” 18 Now the servants and officers who had made a fire of coals stood there, for it was cold, and they warmed themselves. And Peter stood with them and warmed himself.
After the goon squad arrested Jesus and went back to Jerusalem, two of His disciples followed them into the city.
18:15
And Simon Peter followed Jesus,
Simon Peter was one of the disciples to follow Jesus back to Jerusalem.
and so did another disciple.
The “another disciple” may have been the author of this gospel, the apostle John.
Now that disciple was known to the high priest, and went with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest.
Since John knew the high priest, he had access into his courtyard.
18:16
But Peter stood at the door outside.
Peter waited outside the high priest’s quarters until John could gain access for him to the courtyard.
Then the other disciple [John], who was known to the high priest,
John had gone into the courtyard first because he was already acquainted with the high priest.
went out and spoke to her who kept the door, and brought Peter in.
John spoke to the woman who guarded the door to gain permission for Peter to enter into the courtyard.
18:17
Then the servant girl who kept the door said to Peter,
Once Peter came to the door of the courtyard, the girl who guarded the entrance recognized Peter.
“You are not also one of this Man’s disciples, are you?”
The servant girl’s question normally would expect a negative answer in the Greek, but in this case may be ironic. Her question was rhetorical.
He said, “I am not.”
Peter told a bold-faced lie here. His reply was terse to the servant girl. He completely lost his courage to make a stand for Jesus.
18:18
Now the servants and officers who had made a fire of coals stood there, for it was cold, and they warmed themselves.
No doubt Peter attempted to be as inconspicuous as possible here.
And Peter stood with them and warmed himself.
The elevation of the city of Jerusalem made it cool in evening this time of year (2,500 feet above sea level). Peter joined a group of the Lord’s enemies. This was the last place they expected to find him.
PRINCIPLE:
Sometimes our greatest fall is after a spiritual hilltop experience.
APPLICATION:
Peter sinned after the upper room experience with Jesus. David sinned with Bathsheba after his greatest military victories.
