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Explanation for:
Matthew
26
:
35
Peter saith to him: Yea, though I should die with thee, I will not deny thee. And in like manner said all the disciples.
12
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{"arr":[{"author-name":"Augustine of Hippo","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88950a5c988a4fc06c7ae_Augustine%20of%20Hippo.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":5,"exegesis-text":"The foretelling of Peter's denial is recorded not only by John in the passage I have cited but also by the other three Gospel writers. However, they mention it at different points in their narratives. Matthew and Mark include this account after the same event when the Lord departed from the house where He had partaken of the Passover, while Luke and John present it before His departure. It is plausible that the former may have reported the prediction later and the latter earlier. It is also noteworthy that the Gospels not only highlight the statement but also the specific warnings given by the Lord, which left Peter bewildered, as he asserted his willingness to die alongside or for the Lord. This indicates that Peter presented his readiness thrice during Christ's discourse, and thrice the Lord warned him that before the rooster crowed, he would renounce Him three times. \\n\\nIt’s conceivable that at various moments, Peter ardently professed his loyalty, even as he subsequently denied the Lord, and the Lord repeated the same warning each time. Likewise, after His resurrection, the Lord questioned Peter three times if he loved Him, and in response to Peter's threefold affirmation, the Lord entrusted him with the same command to tend His flock. The plausibility that Peter affirmed his loyalty thrice, while hearing the Lord's prophecy of his denial thrice, is reinforced by the varied words the Evangelists use in their reports.\\n\\nRecalling the excerpt from John's Gospel, we read the precise words: “Children, I will not be with you much longer. You will seek Me, and as I said to the Jews, where I go you cannot come, so I say to you now. A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” It is clear from this account that Peter felt compelled to ask, “Lord, where are You going?” To which Jesus replied, “Where I am going, you cannot follow me now, but afterwards you will follow me.” Peter protested, “Lord, why can't I follow you now? I will lay down my life for You.” It was based on this assurance that the Lord foretold his future denial. \\n\\nIn the account from Luke, the Lord states, “Simon, behold, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.” Peter responded, “Lord, I am ready to go with You, both to prison and to death.” Yet the Lord replied, “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know Me.” It is important to notice that Peter had one reason here and another later to affirm his loyalty. \\n\\nMatthew elaborates: “And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Then Jesus said to them, ‘All of you will be made to stumble this night because it is written: \\"I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.\\" But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee.’” Mark's account is nearly identical. Do these words and warnings align with the ones that encouraged Peter's assertions of loyalty in John's and Luke's narratives? Matthew continues: “Peter answered Him, ‘Even if all are made to stumble, I will never be made to stumble.’” Jesus then assured him, “Truly I say to you, that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” Peter replied, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!” All the disciples made similar promises. Mark reiterates the prediction with slightly different wording: “Truly I say to you, this night before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.” \\n\\nSome may see discrepancies between Mark and the other Gospel writers, but this perspective may stem from hostility to the gospel, as such misinterpretations hold little weight. Clearly, Peter's denial was threefold. In a moment of confusion, he faced deep deception until he recognized its foretelling and experienced healing through his intense sorrow and weeping. If, as some conjecture, Peter's denials began after the first crowing of the rooster, it might suggest errors among the three evangelists. Matthew notes, “This night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me thrice.” Luke adds that Peter would deny knowing Him before the crowing, while John states, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me thrice.” Though the phrases and sequences differ, they convey the same prediction from the Lord regarding Peter's denial prior to the cock crowing. \\n\\nIf Peter's triple denial was entirely realized before the rooster crowed, one could question Mark's wording about denying Him thrice before the rooster crowed twice. Why mention “before twice” if the denial was complete before the first crowing? However, the key detail is that the threefold denial commenced before the rooster crowed. For the first three Evangelists, what matters is the frequency of the denials and their onset, emphasizing that it was threefold and began prior to the crowing, even if Peter internally experienced it all before the rooster's call. The truth is that while the denial began before the first crowing, it culminated before the second. Yet, Peter's spirit had been profoundly affected by fear, compelling him to deny the Lord repeatedly as soon as questioned. \\n\\nIt is evident that anyone who gazes upon a lustful image commits adultery in their heart. Similarly, Peter ultimately confronted his trepidation, which was so overwhelming that he could not halt until the third denial. This threefold rejection must be understood in the context of the intense fear that led him to forsake his Lord thrice. Even if Peter's denials were not vocalized until after the rooster began to crow, it may not be unreasonable to assert that he renounced the Lord three times before the crowing due to the paralyzing fear he faced. \\n\\nIt should also be clarified that even if the threefold denial began before the rooster crowed, it may not have concluded before the initial crowing. For instance, if someone were warned, “This night, before the rooster crows, you will write a letter cursing me thrice,” it would not invalidate the statement if the writing commenced prior to the crowing and concluded afterward. Mark's presentation of the Lord’s prediction accurately illustrates when the denials occurred: “Before the rooster crows twice, you shall deny Me thrice.” \\n\\nWhen we analyze the description of Peter's denial in the Gospel narratives, we will see that they align with each other. Should the question arise regarding the precise wording used by the Lord with Peter, it may be impossible to definitively identify them, rendering such searches futile, since the meaning can be ascertained from the varying phrases of the Evangelists. It is likely that Peter, prompted by the Lord's assurances, affirmed his loyalty on several occasions, while the Lord predicted his denial three times. Even if we attempt to harmonize the various accounts into a unified conversation, we should not accuse the Evangelists of contradiction, as there are none."},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"As Jesus Christ increasingly made His presence known, Peter's resistance grew concurrently. His initial confidence led to a significant downfall, leaving him devoid of divine support and exposing his frailty. Observe his subsequent humility; after the Resurrection, when he inquired about John, inquiring ‘Lord, what about this man?’ (John 21:21), the Lord’s response silenced him. Similarly, upon hearing before the Ascension that ‘It is not for you to know the times or seasons’ (Acts 1:7), he remained quiet. Later, when he was told regarding the vision: ‘What God has cleansed, you must not call common’ (Acts 10:15), despite not fully grasping the message, he refrained from disputing it. This transformation within him was a consequence of his denials.\\n\\nPreviously, Peter had confidently professed his faith, asserting, ‘Even if all are made to stumble, I will not be’ (Matthew 26:33) and ‘I will never deny You’ (v. 35). Yet he should have added, ‘If You provide me strength.’ Afterward, he openly declared regarding the healing of the crippled man, ‘Why do you look at us so intently, as though by our own power or godliness we had made him walk?’ (Acts 3:12). This clearly illustrates that while human will is impotent without divine guidance, God’s plans are ineffective without human willingness. Peter and Judas embody these truths.\\n\\nThus, we must not carelessly surrender everything to God, nor consider our efforts as the source of all accomplishments. God does not act in a way that promotes complacency, nor does He provide all things to prevent arrogance; rather, He removes what is detrimental and retains what is beneficial. The fall of the chief apostle serves not only the aforementioned reasons but also to cultivate a deeper love within him, for ‘to whom much is given, from him much will be required.’ \\n\\nWe should strive to obey God consistently and not resist Him, even when His instructions contradict our personal beliefs or perspectives. His Word must take precedence over our own ideas and interpretations. This approach should extend to the sacred Mysteries; we must not merely focus on what is visible, but we must trust in the Lord’s declarations. Since He affirms, ‘This is My Body, and this is My Blood,’ we should respond with obedience and faith, acknowledging that, as in Baptism, we see the water while the gift of regeneration remains unseen. Just as our soul intertwines with our body, God has imparted the spiritual through the tangible."},{"author-name":"Theophylact of Bulgaria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989296bafed9104677d7_Theophylact%20of%20Bulgaria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":11,"exegesis-text":"Peter, eager to demonstrate his complete commitment to the Savior, found himself in rebellion against Him. Liberated from the apprehension of disloyalty, he began to resist the other disciples, driven by a fervent affection for his Lord as well as personal ambition. The other disciples, too, though untouched by temptation at that moment, made promises that remained unfulfilled due to their lack of understanding. In a desire for communion with the Father, Christ withdrew to a quiet place, recognizing that sincere prayer necessitates solitude and separation."},{"author-name":"Nicodemos the Haghiorite","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c895e07643831764b98b9d_Nicodemos%20the%20Haghiorite.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":18,"exegesis-text":"Beloved, reflect on the reason behind Peter’s lamentable downfall, which is his denial of Christ. Despite being the foremost and most fervent follower of our Lord, he ultimately swore to turn away from his Master. May his stumbling serve as an illumination for you. The root of Peter’s denial lay in his arrogance. This pride led him to elevate himself above his fellow Apostles when he proclaimed, “if all be offended because of thee, I will never be offended” (Matthew 26:33). Even when the Lord warned him of his impending failure, Peter ignored the warning, affirming with even more conviction, “Though I should die with Thee, yet will I not deny Thee” (Mark 14:31). His arrogance rendered him insolent, causing him to overlook peril not only as he entered the high priest's courtyard, surrounded by many servants, but also while sitting among them to warm himself by the fire. His boldness stemmed from the illusion that he need not fear the adversary, but rather that the adversary should fear him. How could he muster the strength to stand firm at that moment, when he was so enveloped in pride? “Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18)."},{"author-name":"Philaret (Gumilevski)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c896f4b6fd32caa244b5d7_Philaret%20(Gumilevski).png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Peter repeatedly declared his commitment, asserting that he would not deny the Lord even if it meant facing death. Likewise, the other disciples echoed his sentiments. Peter believed in his unwavering resolve, contradicting the Lord's forewarnings, as if he had greater insight into himself than the Savior. What tragic self-deception! As David lamented, \\"Thou hast turned away Thy face, and art troubled.\\" Why didn’t Peter recall David’s wisdom? Doing so might have tempered his bold promises. How often are our minds clouded by the subtlety of selfishness! The remaining disciples, unwilling to appear weaker than Peter, also proclaimed their willingness to die alongside the Lord. However, the Savior did not respond to either Peter's or the other disciples' declarations. Instead, He allowed the unfolding events of the night to reveal the truth of His predictions and to clarify the misunderstandings the disciples held about themselves. Rather than dwell on empty reassurances, He redirected their focus to the imminent trials they were to face."},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"\\"I will not deny You\\": Peter opposes the Savior, aiming to demonstrate his unwavering commitment to Him. Once liberated from the anxiety of betrayal, driven by deep love and a strong sense of honor, he begins to oppose others and defy Christ. However, the other disciples, not yet having faced temptation, in their naivety vowed what they were unable to accomplish."},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Peter argued with the Lord more vehemently than before, as if he believed he knew better than the Lord: PETER SAID UNTO HIM, THOUGH I SHOULD DIE WITH THEE, I WILL NOT DENY THEE. The other disciples, not wishing to appear weaker than Peter, also declared their resolve to stay loyal to the Lord unto death. The Lord remained silent to these bold assurances, allowing the events of that night to reveal the fallacy of their confidence. Saint Chrysostom remarks, \\"Christ allowed Peter to stumble to teach him to fully submit to Him and to hold His insights as superior to his own understanding. Others also gained significant lessons from Peter’s denial, grasping both the frailty of humanity and the faithfulness of God. When God Himself foretells something, it should not be challenged. Our prayer should be, 'Help us not to be separated from You,’ yet this disciple, relying on his own strength, declared, 'Though all may falter, yet I will remain steadfast,’ and this gradually led to his pride. To rectify this, Christ allowed the denial to occur. Since Peter disregarded both the words of Christ and the teaching of the prophet—because Christ had referenced the prophet's words to prevent Peter from contradicting them—he learned through experience. Consider how later, after the Resurrection, he demonstrated humility when questioned, 'And he what?' (John 21:21), and he was silent, no longer daring to dispute as he had before. Later, while atop the house during a vision, he heard a voice saying, 'What God has cleansed, you shall not regard as unclean’ (Acts 10:15). Even though he did not fully grasp the significance of these words, he remained silent and did not argue. All of this resulted from the initial fall. This illustrates the crucial truth that human effort alone is inadequate without divine assistance; likewise, divine assistance does not benefit those who do not strive. Both Judas and Peter exemplify this reality. The former, having received ample support, gained nothing because he failed to engage his will, while the latter stumbled despite his effort, as he lacked divine help. True virtue arises from the combination of these two elements. Therefore, I urge you not to surrender to apathy, and do not presume that your struggles alone suffice to achieve all. God desires diligence and does not act on our behalf in all matters; He takes no pleasure in our arrogance, thus He does not grant us everything but instead allows us to keep what is beneficial while removing what is detrimental."},{"author-name":"Gladkow B.I.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88bf0ceef8c96e09a6521_Gladkow%20B.I..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"With even more determination, he declared, \\"Even if I have to die alongside you, I will not betray you\\" (cf. John 13:37). The other apostles rallied behind Peter, each expressing their willingness to die for Him. Bolstered by such pledges, Jesus proceeded into the Garden of Gethsemane."},{"author-name":"Lopuchin A.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c891400ee1341634d2276d_Lopuchin%20A.P..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"His time with them was drawing to a close, and just as He had previously informed the Jews, He now conveyed to His followers that they could not accompany Him to where He was going. In this moment, He imparted a new commandment that would set them apart from the rest of the world: they were to love one another. Nevertheless, Peter was dissatisfied and expressed his desire to follow the Master. When Peter, with unwavering self-assurance, claimed that nothing could hinder him from accompanying his Lord and proclaimed that he would 'lay down his life for Him,' the Savior gently corrected his overconfidence by foretelling that before the rooster crowed, he would deny Him three times. After revealing to His disciples the grave trials that awaited Him, the Savior warned that they would all abandon Him that very night and scatter, but assured them that He would reunite with them in Galilee after His resurrection."},{"author-name":"Paul Matwejewski","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8969f5be0d592d5a10576_Paul%20Matwejewski.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"But Peter, blinded by his pride, persisted in proclaiming with even greater fervor: “But if I should die with You, I will not deny You.” The other disciples, lacking the experience of temptation, similarly vowed, as Blessed Theophylact noted, demonstrating empty zeal, to uphold promises beyond their strength, asserting that, like Peter, they would not forsake their Lord in the face of the impending danger surrounding Him."},{"author-name":"Alexander Gorsky","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8884037c1e1c51e1332e2_Alexander%20Gorsky.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"What profoundly affected the disciples, leaving a lasting impression on them, were His statements regarding His impending departure. In a state of bewilderment, Peter inquired, \\"Where are You going, Lord?\\" Jesus responded with clarity, explaining, \\"Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but later you will.\\" This indicated that Peter would eventually possess the strength to endure trials like His, a strength he had not yet attained. Driven by courage and a willingness to lay down his life, Peter felt uneasy about this promise of future assurance. Unaware of his own limitations, he insisted he could accompany Him immediately, declaring, \\"I will lay down my life for You, Lord.\\" In response, the Lord prophesied that Peter would deny Him three times before the rooster crows, meaning before midnight. The Heart understood Peter's frailty and foresaw what would occur in just a few hours despite his passionate dedication: \\"Will you lay down your life for Me now? The time is short until midnight, and during this brief period, you will indeed deny Me three times.\\""},{"author-name":"Innocentius of Kherson","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88d18072d36d1a976dd2c_Innocentius%20of%20Kherson.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Before entering Gethsemane, the Lord deemed it important to once again caution His disciples about the forthcoming trials they would face (Matthew 26:31). He asked them, \\"When I sent you out without a purse, without provisions, and without sandals, did you lack anything?\\" They responded, \\"Nothing at all.\\" The Lord continued, speaking gently so as not to alarm them too greatly, saying, \\"But now, let those who have a purse take it, and likewise a bag; and whoever lacks them should sell his cloak and buy a sword. For I tell you, this Scripture must be fulfilled in me: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors’!\\" The parable the Master shared indicated that the disciples would soon be left to navigate their own way for a time, and thus they needed to ensure their own sustenance and safety. However, some misunderstood His message, interpreting it as a directive to prepare for conflict. One disciple mentioned they had two swords, yet the Master’s intention lay elsewhere; nonetheless, having two swords seemed reasonable to the disciples as they would soon face uncertainty in the vicinity of Jerusalem. Thus, as if in affirmation, the Lord remarked, “It is enough” (Luke 22:35-38). He added, rather than providing further explanations or analogies, “Tonight, all of you will be led to fear because of Me, for it is written: ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered. But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.’” Peter responded, given his profound affection for the Lord and momentarily disregarding the lesson learned earlier, “Even if all fall away on account of You, I never will!” Jesus replied, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown Me three times.” Peter insisted, “Even if I have to die with You, I will never disown You!” The other disciples voiced similar sentiments, according to Matthew (Matthew 26:31-35)."}]}
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