Matthew 26:71-72
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Peter tries to escape the questioning by moving to the porch, but this only puts him in a more public space where another servant girl recognizes him. The phrase "This fellow was also with Jesus" highlights that Peter's presence with Jesus has already been noted, making his denials even more futile and revealing the growing suspicion around him.
And when he went out to the entrance, another servant girl saw him, and she said to the bystanders, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.” And again he denied it with an oath: “I do not know the man.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Peter, having already been challenged once, tries to escape further scrutiny by moving to the entrance area. However, his attempt to hide only leads to another servant girl spotting him and pointing him out to others present. This intensifies the pressure on Peter, who has already denied Jesus once and is about to deny him again, this time with an oath.
Why did Peter move from the fire to the porch? It wasn't just a change of location; it was a desperate attempt to escape the gaze of those who knew him.
Peter’s movement to the porch wasn't an act of seeking solitude, but a further attempt to distance himself from the growing suspicion. He'd already denied Jesus once, and the maid's first accusation, though likely dismissed by Peter in his mind, had planted a seed of doubt in the minds of those around him.
The simple phrase 'This man was with Jesus of Nazareth' carries an immense weight. It’s not just an accusation; it’s an echo of a previous charge, a confirmation that the first voice wasn't alone.
Ask a follow-up
The repetition of the accusation is key. The first maid asked if Peter was with Jesus. When he denied it, he might have thought he'd gotten away with it. But this second girl, seeing him in the porch, not only confirms his presence but adds the detail 'also'.
Peter, who had boldly declared he would die with Jesus, now found himself entangled in a web of lies, sinking deeper with every word.
This moment is a stark portrayal of how quickly deep conviction can erode under pressure. Peter’s journey from zealous disciple to terrified denier is a cautionary tale about self-reliance.
Understand the original words
arneomai · Greek Verb
To disown, renounce, or refuse to acknowledge a relationship or association with someone, particularly in the context of one's commitment to Christ.
horkos · Greek Noun
A solemn appeal to God to witness the truth of a statement, often involving a pledge of self-cursing if the statement is false.
Peter's denial happens during the tense and chaotic hours of Jesus' arrest and trial, a time of intense fear and confusion. This immediate historical context highlights the stark contrast between his later, courageous confession of Christ.
c. AD 30— this verse
Jesus' Arrest and Trial
Following the Last Supper, Jesus is arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane and undergoes a series of trials before Jewish and Roman authorities.
c. AD 30
Peter's Denials
While Jesus is being interrogated, the disciple Peter, who had followed Jesus to the high priest's courtyard, is recognized and denies knowing Jesus three times.
c. AD 30
Jesus Before Pilate
Jesus is brought before the Roman governor Pontius Pilate, who ultimately sentences him to crucifixion.
c. AD 30
Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus is crucified at Golgotha, dying on the cross for the sins of humanity.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Resurrection
Three days after his crucifixion, Jesus is raised from the dead, appearing to his disciples and others.
c. AD 33
Peter's Bold Confession
Just a few years later, Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, boldly proclaims Jesus as the Christ before the Jewish Sanhedrin in Jerusalem.
This passage from John's Gospel offers a parallel account of Peter's denial, emphasizing how those standing by recognized him and challenged him, drawing a clear parallel to the repeated accusations Peter faced.
Luke 22:61This verse highlights the moment Jesus turned and looked at Peter after his denial, a powerful, silent rebuke that would have deeply convicted Peter and foreshadows the recognition and understanding God has of our failings.
Acts 4:13This passage shows the transformed Peter, boldly confessing Jesus before the very council that condemned Him, offering a stark contrast and demonstrating the power of repentance and God's restoration after failure.
1 Corinthians 10:12The apostle Paul directly references Peter's fall with this warning, 'Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall,' reminding us that even strong believers are vulnerable to sin without God's strength.
bensonMatthew 26:71: "And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth."
Matthew 26:71-72 . When he was gone out into the porch — Or portico, as Dr. Doddridge renders it, who observes, “I apprehend that the word προαυλιον , (used by Mark here.) most exactly answers to the Latin word vestibulum, by which many interpreters render it. And, considering the magnificence of the Jewish buildings at this time, it is…
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…
Peter tries to escape the questioning by moving to the porch, but this only puts him in a more public space where another servant girl recognizes him. The phrase "This fellow was also with Jesus" highlights that Peter's presence with Jesus has already been noted, making his denials even more futile and revealing the growing suspicion around him.
Peter, having already been challenged once, tries to escape further scrutiny by moving to the entrance area. However, his attempt to hide only leads to another servant girl spotting him and pointing him out to others present. This intensifies the pressure on Peter, who has already denied Jesus once and is about to deny him again, this time with an oath.
Peter, having already been challenged once, tries to escape further scrutiny by moving to the entrance area. However, his attempt to hide only leads to another servant girl spotting him and pointing him out to others present. This intensifies the pressure on Peter, who has already denied Jesus once and is about to deny him again, this time with an oath.
"And when he went out to the entrance, another servant girl saw him, and she said to the bystanders, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.” And again he denied it with an oath: “I do not know the man.”" — Peter tries to escape the questioning by moving to the porch, but this only puts him in a more public space where another servant girl recognizes him. The phrase "This fellow was also with Jesus" h…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
