MPV Commentary

13-14. Jesus was taken to Annas first—(See Luke 3:2 and Matthew 26:57).
Now Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it would be beneficial for one man to die in place of the people.

15-18. Simon Peter followed Jesus, accompanied by another disciple—likely John himself.
This other disciple knew the high priest and went into the palace with Jesus.
But Peter stood outside at the door until he could gain entry through his friend's acquaintance.

16. The other disciple spoke to the woman who guarded the door and brought Peter in.
The naturalness of these details is noteworthy, as they show how easily Peter was drawn into the situation.
He had initially intended to observe from a distance but ended up becoming more involved.

17-18. The maid who kept the door looked at Peter warming himself by the fire and asked,
"Are you not one of this man's disciples?"
Peter denied it, saying, "I am not."
This was his first denial.
The servants and officers who had arrested Jesus stood nearby, warming themselves by a charcoal fire.

19-21. The high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and teachings—likely trying to trap him into making incriminating statements.
Jesus replied that he had always taught openly in the synagogues and temple courts,
and that there was nothing secret or different about his private communications with the Twelve.
He challenged the high priest to ask those who heard him, as they knew what he said.

22. The high priest struck Jesus on the cheek, saying, "Is that how you answer the high priest?"
Jesus replied, "If I have spoken evil, bear witness to it; if well, why strike me?"

24-27. Annas had sent Jesus bound to Caiaphas—although this may not be entirely accurate.
The interview with Annas was likely a preliminary and unofficial one, held at an hour when the Council could not convene.
Simon Peter stood warming himself by the fire, and they asked him if he was also one of Jesus' disciples.
He denied it, saying, "I am not."
This was his second denial.

25. One of the high priest's servants, who was a relative of Malchus,
said to Peter, "Did I not see you in the garden with him?"
Peter denied it again, saying, "I am not."
This was his third denial.
The cock crowed immediately after this denial.

26-27. The immediate aftermath is described only by Luke (22:61-62).
Jesus looked at Peter from across the hall of judgment,
and Peter remembered Jesus' words about denying him three times before the cock crowed.
Peter went out and wept bitterly, likely due to the piercing look his Lord gave him.
This event was a momentary obscuration of Peter's love for Jesus, but it ultimately led to repentance.