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Explanation for:
Matthew
26
:
58
And Peter followed him afar off, even to the court of the high priest. And going in, he sat with the servants, that he might see the end.
12
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{"arr":[{"author-name":"Jerome of Stridon","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88dcd3432c6dd41375498_Jerome%20of%20Stridon.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"The individual who was meant to be exalted experienced a state of humiliation. Peter, despite his distance, chose to follow the Lord. Driven either by a disciple's love or simple human curiosity, he desired to discern the high priest's judgment regarding Christ—whether He would be sentenced to death or released after being scourged. This distinction marks Peter apart from the other ten apostles, who fled in fear while he remained close, albeit from afar."},{"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":"Peter followed Jesus at a distance to the high priest’s residence. Shortly after, he and John trailed Christ from afar. John, being acquainted with the high priest, gained closer access as he mentions (John 16:15). The other three Gospel writers frequently focus on Peter alone, highlighting the fulfillment of the Lord’s prediction regarding his denial, and illustrating the folly of self-reliance instead of trust in God. John included himself for the sake of truthfulness; however, to avoid appearing boastful about his proximity to the Lord during such perilous moments, he chose to remain anonymous, stating: “Simon Peter and the other disciples followed Jesus” (John 18:15). After entering, he seated himself with the attendants to await the outcome. The three Gospel authors indicate that Peter denied knowing Christ three times in the courtyard of Caiaphas, while John mentions the courtyard of Annas, his father-in-law; this is not a contradiction as both refer to the same location with two separate areas. According to Matthew (Matt. 26:69, 71, 73), Peter was initially frightened by one maid, then by another, and eventually by those present; Mark mentions a similar sequence (Mark 14:66, 69, 70), while Luke recounts it by first referring to a maid, then another, and finally a third individual (Luke 22:56, 58, 59). John’s account (John 18:17, 2, 5, 26) also narrates the denials, starting with a servant girl, followed by others, and concluding with a relative of the high priest. A closer examination reveals no significant discrepancies among the accounts. At the first denial, a single servant girl is named by all four evangelists. During the second denial, as noted by John, multiple individuals questioned Peter; these included the maid from Matthew, the same one from Mark, along with another mentioned by Luke. Both Mark and Matthew indicate that during the third denial, Peter was confronted by those present, which might have included another figure referred to by Luke, specifically the servant of the high priest mentioned in John’s narrative. It is important to clarify the events that transpired at Caiaphas' house and the details not captured by John, as presented by the other Gospel writers."},{"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":"The other disciples abandoned Him, yet Peter, driven by a deeper devotion to the Lord, trailed Him from a distance. John, too, accompanied Him, though not in the capacity of a disciple, but rather as a familiar friend of the bishop."},{"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":"\\"From a distance\\" captures the futility of Peter's bold declarations, affirming the truth of the Lord's forewarnings. Peter, filled with fear, hesitates to fully embrace his role as a disciple and chooses to observe from the sidelines, hoping to remain unnoticed. Sadly, this wish will soon fade, and the word of the Lord will manifest in its full might. - \\"Before the court\\": a lower court encased by structures but left open to the elements. - \\"To witness the conclusion\\": to see how the Master's trial would unfold, the outcome it would yield, and the nature of the ultimate judgment."},{"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":"The darkest night in human history was the night of the great betrayal. How somber are Judas, Ananus, Caiaphas, the members of the Sanhedrin, along with the servants and soldiers! Even those who had proven themselves through numerous trials, demonstrating such steadfastness that they remained at the side of the weary and destitute for over three years, sought to avoid danger whenever possible under the shield of their Teacher. Will humanity not find refuge in Peter, who vowed to lay down his life for his Lord? As recounted by St. John (John 18:15-16), while the Lord Jesus was being led away in chains to Annas, Peter followed Him along with another disciple. This other disciple, knowing the high priest, managed to enter the courtyard and requested the gatekeeper to allow Peter in. This is indeed heartening news! It signifies that both disciples held such deep love and loyalty to their Master that they chose to follow Jesus—even if from a distance—to understand His fate. Thus, in this moment, Peter remains true to his promise, venturing into perilous territory alongside Jesus. Who is this other disciple, unnamed by St. John? It is the very individual who narrates this account. Why does he refrain from identifying himself? In a moment of intimacy with Jesus, he chose to keep his identity private, reflecting the gentle humility of his spirit. For the same reason, he remains unnamed now, recounting a noble act—following Jesus when all the other disciples deserted Him. Peter and John walked alongside their beloved Teacher until they reached the representatives of the Jewish leaders. Yet, a series of contrasting events unfold. Upon entering the courtyard of Annas, Peter mingled among the crowd of servants gathered around the fire. What was his intention? Surely, he wished to avoid being recognized as a follower of Jesus."},{"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, as noted by St Matthew, followed Jesus discreetly to the residence of the high priest. It is possible that the two high priests, Annas and Caiaphas, resided in the same house and shared the court. St John, the beloved disciple, recounts that, being known to the high priest, he spoke to the servant at the door and secured entry for Peter. The servant, exercising caution, inquired of Peter, \\"Are you not one of this Man's disciples?\\" To which Peter replied, \\"No.\\" As the servants and officers had kindled a fire to ward off the cold, they gathered around to warm themselves, and Peter joined them, seeking warmth (John 18:17-18). Meanwhile, after Jesus was taken before Caiaphas, Peter stayed in the courtyard, choosing to sit among the servants as he awaited the outcome, eager to learn how the proceedings would unfold. The judicial process, however, rushed towards the conclusion favored by the authorities."},{"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":"Peter and John were in the vicinity and desired to accompany Jesus into the courtyard of Annas. Since John was recognized by Annas, he entered without trepidation, while Peter lingered at the entrance, uncertain about his entry. Observing Peter's absence, John approached the gate, requested the gatekeeper to permit Peter's entry, and then guided him into the courtyard alongside him."},{"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":"During the unlawful trial of the most righteous man, an armed group of servants and officials gathered around a roaring fire in the high priest's court, discussing the events that had unfolded. This entire assembly was aligned against Christ, viewing Him merely as a defiant Galilean, ridiculing Him along with His fearful disciples. However, not all of His followers had dispersed; two of them displayed the courage to venture into the midst of their Master’s adversaries. One was John, the beloved disciple, who, as a fisherman familiar to the high priest's household, was able to enter the court with relative ease. The other was Peter, who managed to slip in secretly, anxious about his safety and even his life. With a heart full of dread, he approached the fire to warm himself, his body tense with cold and fear."},{"author-name":"Makkaveiski N.K.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"In the courtyard of the high priest (Mark 14:54; see also Matthew 26:58), the Apostle Peter followed the Savior, filled with a yearning to discover what would become of his Master. He settled by the fire, blending in with the crowd of the high priest's attendants. However, as the Evangelists note, Peter was situated ‘outside in the courtyard’ and ‘downstairs’ (Matthew 26:69; Mark 14:66). This indicates that the trial of the Lord Jesus Christ must be assumed to have occurred inside the house, likely on an upper level."},{"author-name":"Paul Matwejewski","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8969f5be0d592d5a10576_Paul%20Matwejewski.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"During the time when the Divine Captive was being questioned by the chief priests Annas and Caiaphas, and the preliminary trial of the Sanhedrin was underway, an important event unfolded in the courtyard of the high priest’s residence. This event had been foretold by the Lord earlier in the evening, at the conclusion of His farewell discourse with the disciples (Matt. 26:34; Luke 22:34; John 13:38). It brought low the proud presumption of one of the Savior’s most faithful followers, serving as a timeless lesson for him and the other apostles. It illustrated, as St. John Chrysostom articulated, the significant frailty of our nature when God withdraws His support, and the danger of placing our confidence in ourselves rather than in God. A disciple who accompanied the Lord was recognized by the high priest and entered the inner courtyard alongside the Master and the guards. In contrast, Peter remained outside, waiting patiently for his companion, traditionally identified as John, to gain access for him. Following the customs of the time (Acts 12:13), the watch over the entrance was assigned to the doorkeeper. John conversed with her and guided Peter into the courtyard of the high priest's house."},{"author-name":"Alexander Gorsky","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8884037c1e1c51e1332e2_Alexander%20Gorsky.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"It was still in the early hours of the morning (Luke 22:66). During this time, there were false witnesses who were ready to testify. The Lord chose not to speak for Himself regarding His teachings; instead, individuals were brought forth who falsely claimed they had heard Him say various things. The initial false witnesses were ineffective. Two accusers arose, alleging that Jesus intended to dismantle the temple, which is seen as a grave offense against faith by the Jewish people; however, even in this, the truth was distorted. Jesus did not respond to the allegations of these false witnesses."},{"author-name":"Nikolaj Alexandrow","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"They took Christ to Caiaphas’ residence, where the formal proceedings against Him commenced. Present were all members of the Sanhedrin along with the witnesses for the prosecution. However, those judging Him were influenced not by the stipulations of the law and the pursuit of justice, but rather by a biased intent to harm Him. Caiaphas orchestrated the trial of Christ in a manner that blatantly disregarded both legal standards and justice. According to the law, trials were to occur in the Sanhedrin’s official chambers during daylight hours; additionally, there was supposed to be a two-part trial with a three-day interval between sessions to allow adequate defense for the accused. Christ, the Redeemer, was subjected to a process in which these legal protocols were ignored. The first assembly of the Sanhedrin occurred at night within Caiaphas' home, and the subsequent session took place just three hours later instead of the mandated three days. In direct contravention of legal standards, during the break between these sessions, the chief priests' attendants, undoubtedly with their consent, mistreated Christ with beatings and scorn (Luke 22:63-65). The Sanhedrin's entire trial of Christ was merely a façade, crafted to provide an illusion of legality to the prearranged decision among the Jewish leaders to execute the Saviour. The members of the Sanhedrin found themselves in a quandary, as Christ had committed no offense meriting accusation. Lacking credible witnesses, they resorted to summoning false testimony. Yet even these witnesses claimed only to have heard Him declare, “I will destroy this temple made with hands, and in three days I will build another made without hands” (Mark 14:58). Despite the judges’ bias, such an accusation could not suffice to even maintain a semblance of legality in condemning Christ to death."}]}
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