Mat 26:58, 69 | Clarke | e4.org | Verse 58. Peter followed him afar off ] Poor Peter! this is the beginning of his dreadful fall. His fear kept him from joining the company, and publicly acknowledging his Lord; and his affection obliged him to follow at a distance that he might see the end. And sat with the servants, to see the end. ] When a man is weak in faith, and can as yet only follow Christ at a distance, he should avoid all dangerous places, and the company of those who are most likely to prove a snare to him. Had not Peter got to the high priest's palace , and sat down with the servants , he would not thus have denied his Lord and Master. Servants-officers , υπηρετων. Such as we term serjeants, constables, &c.

‏ Matthew 26:58

Verse 58. Peter followed him afar off] Poor Peter! this is the beginning of his dreadful fall. His fear kept him from joining the company, and publicly acknowledging his Lord; and his affection obliged him to follow at a distance that he might see the end.

And sat with the servants, to see the end.] When a man is weak in faith, and can as yet only follow Christ at a distance, he should avoid all dangerous places, and the company of those who are most likely to prove a snare to him. Had not Peter got to the high priest's palace, and sat down with the servants, he would not thus have denied his Lord and Master.

Servants-officers, υπηρετων. Such as we term serjeants, constables, &c.

‏ Matthew 26:69

Verse 69. A damsel came unto him] A maid servant, παιδισκη. See this translation vindicated by Kypke.

Thou also wast with Jesus] What a noble opportunity had Peter now to show his zeal for the insulted cause of truth, and his attachment to his Master. But, alas! he is shorn of his strength. Constables and maid servants are no company for an apostle, except when he is delivering to them the message of salvation. Evil communications corrupt good manners. Had Peter been in better company, he would not have had so foul a fall.