Matthew 26:70
But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you mean.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Matthew 26:70
But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you mean.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Peter's denial is not just a simple "no," but an evasive "I don't know what you mean." This subtle wording shows him trying to distance himself by feigning ignorance, highlighting how fear can twist our words into a form of self-preservation that tragically denies the very truth we know.
Peter, having followed Jesus from a distance after his arrest, finds himself in the courtyard of the high priest's palace, warming himself among the servants. When questioned by a servant girl and then others about his association with Jesus, Peter, succumbing to fear and pressure, denies knowing Jesus. This denial, escalating from a simple statement to a more forceful repudiation with an oath, marks a significant fall for the disciple who had so confidently declared his loyalty just hours before.
Peter's denial wasn't a single event, but a series of choices that led him further from Jesus. Notice how each step hardened his resolve.
Peter's fall into denying Jesus happened in stages. It started with him following 'at a distance' (Luke 22:54), a subtle shift that put him in a place of spiritual danger.
From there, a maid questioned him, and he denied knowing Jesus. This was a direct lie, but it didn't stop there. As he was challenged again, his denial became bolder, even involving an oath and curses (Matthew 26:72, 74).
This progression shows us how sin can gain momentum. What starts as a small compromise or a white lie can quickly spiral into deeper rebellion if we don't guard our hearts and actively turn back to God.
Peter was 'warming himself' among the enemies of Jesus. What does this proximity teach us about the places we choose to inhabit?
Peter's decision to follow Jesus 'at a distance' and end up 'within the palace' was a critical mistake. He found himself in a place of direct temptation, surrounded by those hostile to his Master.
This wasn't an accidental encounter; he put himself in that environment. The commentary notes that 'bad company leads to sin' and that 'Christians to come into places of temptation' is dangerous.
We, too, can be lulled into a false sense of security, thinking we are strong enough to withstand negative influences. However, God’s Word warns us to 'abstain from every form of evil' (1 Thessalonians 5:22), implying a need to actively avoid environments that could compromise our faith.
Peter's denial wasn't whispered in secret. It happened 'before them all.' What does the public nature of his sin reveal?
The text emphasizes that Peter denied Jesus 'before them all.' This detail isn't accidental; it highlights the gravity and shame of his actions.
Denying Christ publicly has ripple effects. It can discourage other believers who witness it, and it brings reproach upon the name of Christ. As one commentary puts it, 'if we deny Christ before the weak, they are shaken by our example, and give way.'
Understand the original words
arneomai · Greek Verb
To renounce, disown, or refuse to acknowledge a person or relationship. It signifies a breach of faith or commitment.
Peter's denial occurs amidst the chaotic and high-stakes trials of Jesus, a moment of intense fear and pressure that reveals human frailty even in devoted followers.
c. AD 30— this verse
Jesus' Arrest and Trial
Following his arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus undergoes a series of rapid trials before the Jewish Sanhedrin and later the Roman governor Pontius Pilate.
c. AD 30
Peter's Denial
While Jesus is on trial, the apostle Peter, who had followed the arresting party, is recognized as a follower of Jesus three times in the courtyard of the high priest's house and denies knowing Jesus each time.
c. AD 30
Jesus Before Pilate
Jesus is brought before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, where he is questioned and ultimately condemned to crucifixion.
c. AD 30
Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus is crucified at Golgotha outside Jerusalem, fulfilling prophecies and marking a pivotal moment in Christian theology.
This passage provides a parallel account of Peter's denial, highlighting the progression of his fall from following at a distance to outright denial and the Lord's compassionate look that led to his repentance.
John's Gospel offers a different perspective on the events, emphasizing Peter's initial access to the high priest's courtyard and the specific questions that led to his denials.
Mark's Gospel also records Peter's denial, noting the detail that it occurred before the second cock crow and Peter's eventual cursing and swearing in his attempt to cover his guilt.
1 Samuel 15:22-23This Old Testament passage speaks to the seriousness of rebellion and disobedience against God's command, paralleling the spiritual rebellion evident in Peter's denial driven by fear.
2 Timothy 2:12-13This New Testament passage warns that if we deny Christ, He will deny us, underscoring the severe spiritual consequences of such betrayal, which Peter later experienced the profound mercy of God in overcoming.
henryMatthew 26:69-75: "Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee."
26:69-75 Peter's sin is truly related, for the Scriptures deal faithfully. Bad company leads to sin: those who needlessly thrust themselves into it, may expect to be tempted and insnared, as Peter. They scarcely can come out of such company without guilt or grief, or both. It is a great fault to be shy of Christ; and to dissemble our knowledge of him, when we are ca…
clarkeMatthew 26:70: "But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest."
But he denied before them all - So the evil principle gains ground. Before, he followed at a distance, now he denies; this is the second gradation in his fall.
Peter's denial is not just a simple "no," but an evasive "I don't know what you mean." This subtle wording shows him trying to distance himself by feigning ignorance, highlighting how fear can twist our words into a form of self-preservation that tragically denies the very truth we know.
Peter, having followed Jesus from a distance after his arrest, finds himself in the courtyard of the high priest's palace, warming himself among the servants. When questioned by a servant girl and then others about his association with Jesus, Peter, succumbing to fear and pressure, denies knowing Jesus. This denial, escalating from a simple statement to a more forceful repudiation with an oath, marks a significant fall for the disciple who had so confidently declared his loyalty just hours before.
Peter, having followed Jesus from a distance after his arrest, finds himself in the courtyard of the high priest's palace, warming himself among the servants. When questioned by a servant girl and then others about his association with Jesus, Peter, succumbing to fear and pressure, denies knowing Jesus. This denial, escalating from a simple statement to a more forceful repudiation with an oath, marks a significant fall for the disciple who had so confidently declared his loyalty just hours before.
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This isn't just about Peter; it's a mirror for us. Our commitment to Christ isn't meant to be hidden. When we shy away from openly identifying with Him, especially under pressure, we diminish His glory and potentially weaken the faith of those around us. Conversely, a bold confession of faith can strengthen others.
c. AD 30
Resurrection of Jesus
Three days after his crucifixion, Jesus is resurrected from the dead, a cornerstone event for Christian belief.
"But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you mean.”" — Peter's denial is not just a simple "no," but an evasive "I don't know what you mean." This subtle wording shows him trying to distance himself by feigning ignorance, highlighting how fear can twist…