And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple: that disciple was known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest.
Verse 15. And-another disciple] Not THAT other disciple, for the article is omitted by AD, two others; some editions; Syriac, Persic, Gothic, and Nonnus. So the Vulgate is to be understood. There are many conjectures who this disciple was: Jerome, Chrysostom, Theophylact, Nonnus, Lyra, Erasmus, Piscator, and others, say it was John. It is true John frequently mentions himself in the third person; but then he has always, whom Jesusloved, as in chap. xiii. 23; xix. 26; xxi. 7, 20, except in chap. xix. 35, where he has plainly pointed out himself as writer of this Gospel; but, in the place before us, he has mentioned no circumstance by which that disciple may be known to be John. To this may be added that John being not only a Galilean, but a fisherman by trade, it is not likely that he should have been known to the high priest, as it is here said of that disciple who followed Jesus with Peter. See Bishop Pearce and Calmet. The conjecture of Grotius is the most likely: viz. that it was the person at whose houseJesus had supped. St. Augustin, Tract. 113, speaks like a man of sound sense: We should not decide hastily, says he, on a subject concerning which the Scripture is silent.
Ver. 15. And Simon Peter followed Jesus , etc.] It is certain, he first fled with the rest, and forsook him, as they all did, notwithstanding his resolution to abide by him; however, he was very desirous to know what would become of Jesus, and what would be the issue of things; with this view he followed him, and not to deny him; though that was the consequence. Other evangelists say he followed him afar off, at a distance, ( Matthew 26:58Mark 14:54Luke 22:54); which showed some fear; and yet to follow him at all discoveredlove and zeal. To follow Christ is a property of his sheep, and is highly commendable, especially to follow him in sufferings; a greater character a person cannot well have, than to be a follower of Jesus, in the exercise of grace, in the discharge of duty, and in bearing the cross; and yet it does not appear that Peter did well in following Christ now; for Christ had cautioned him of his over confidence, had hinted to him that he should deny him, and had dismissed him, and took his leave of him, and the rest, on whose discharge he insisted, when he was apprehended, ( John 18:8); And so did another disciple, and that disciple was known unto the high priest . This is thought to be the Apostle John, because he frequently speaks of himself, without mentioning his name; and these two, Peter and John, were generally together; and certain it is, that John was present at the cross at the time of Christs crucifixion; and who is supposed to be known to the high priest, by carrying fish to his house, and selling it to him; so Nonnus says, he was known from his fishing trade: but it is not probable that he was known, or could be known by the high priest, so as to have any intimacy with him; nor is it likely that he, being a Galilaean, would venture in; he was discoverable by his speech, and would have been in equal danger with Peter; rather it was some one of the disciples of Christ, who had not openly professed him; one of the chiefrulers that believed in him, but, for fear of the Pharisees, had not confessed him; it may be Nicodemus, or Joseph of Arimathea, or the man at whose houseChrist had eaten the passover. In the Syriac version he is called one of the other disciples; not of the twelve, but others. However, through his knowledge of the high priest, he went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest ; not Annas, but Caiaphas; for Christ was now brought from Annass house to Caiaphass, where the Scribes and elders were assembled together.
Verses 13-27 - Simon Peter denied his Master. The particulars have been noticed in the remarks on the other Gospels. The beginning of sin is as the lettin forth of water. The sin of lying is a fruitfulsin; one lie need another to support it, and that another. If a call to expose ourselve to danger be clear, we may hopeGod will enable us to honour him; if it be not, we may fear that God will leave us to shame ourselves. The said nothing concerning the miracles of Jesus, by which he had done s much good, and which proved his doctrine. Thus the enemies of Christ whilst they quarrel with his truth, wilfully shut their eyes agains it. He appeals to those who heard him. The doctrine of Christ ma safely appeal to all that know it, and those who judge in truth bea witness to it. Our resentment of injuries must never be passionate. He reasoned with the man that did him the injury, and so may we.
