About the denial of Peter: Before we try to understand why Peter denied Jesus we will look at the other disciple who was described as the acquintens of the high priest twice in v.15 and 16. See NET notes for the discussion of who he was. At least we know that there was another disciple there and he was comfortable enough to ask the slave girl to open the door for Peter. He might be exempt for any trouble of being the disciple of Jesus because he knew the high priest, but we do not know. Why was Peter so scared and denied Jesus if there was another disciple there?
18:17 The girl who was the doorkeeper said to Peter, “You’re not one of this man’s disciples too, are you?” He replied, “I am not.”
(PNTC) The form of the question suggests either that the expected answer is ‘No’, or, more likely in this context, that the question is a ‘cautious assertion’ (M. I, pp. 192–193). The question may not have been hostile so much as cynical. But Peter, cowed by his surroundings (as the other disciple was not, being more familiar with them), and threatened by his own memory of the fact that he was the only disciple who had struck a servant of the high priest (v. 10), begins his shameful descent. He may have viewed this first instance of self-distancing from the Master as a rite of admission to the courtyard; but once performed, it was easy to repeat, with rising vehemence.
(NAC) The denial is especially significant in light of Peter’s earlier forceful statement that he would be willing to die for Jesus (13:37) and his impulsive attempt to defend Jesus (18:10). When Jesus was present, Peter was filled with boldness and sought to interfere in Jesus’ mission. But when he was alone and challenged, he lost his courage and abandoned his discipleship.
Reflection: When we are in trouble all we think about is ourselves. How can I have security again? Peter might boast about His courage, but when trouble came his real self was revealed. Also, he was alone and being challenged he lost the courage when he was with Jesus and other disciples. He saw his problem was greater than what he could handle. When are we like that?
I think of the time when I loved myself too much. I was nervous about my health and did not want anything to happen to make me feel uncomfortable. When my idol was health/myself then I was really nervous when I could not have it.
Comments