John 18:15

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} Simon {G4613} Peter {G4074} followed {G190} Jesus {G2424}, and {G2532} so did another {G243} disciple {G3101}:{G1161} that {G1565} disciple {G3101} was {G2258} known {G1110} unto the high priest {G749}, and {G2532} went in with {G4897} Jesus {G2424} into {G1519} the palace {G833} of the high priest {G749}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Shim‘on Kefa and another talmid followed Yeshua. The second talmid was known to the cohen hagadol, and he went with Yeshua into the courtyard of the cohen hagadol;

Berean Standard Bible

Now Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he also went with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest.

American Standard Version

And Simon Peter followed Jesus, andso didanother disciple. Now that disciple was known unto the high priest, and entered in with Jesus into the court of the high priest;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 18:15 details the immediate aftermath of Jesus' arrest, focusing on the unexpected presence of two disciples, Simon Peter and an unnamed "another disciple," who courageously, yet perhaps rashly, followed Jesus into the high priest's private residence. This verse highlights the unique access granted to the unnamed disciple due to his acquaintance with the high priest, a pivotal detail that not only enables both disciples to enter the heavily guarded compound but also sets the stage for the unfolding events of Jesus' interrogation and, critically, Simon Peter's impending denials.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the dramatic scene of Jesus' arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, where Judas betrayed Him, and Peter impulsively cut off the ear of the high priest's servant ([John 18:1-12](/john/18-1-12 "John 18:1-12 - Jesus' Arrest and Peter's Action")). While the other disciples fled, fulfilling Jesus' prophecy of scattering ([John 16:32](/john/16-32 "John 16:32 - Jesus Predicts Disciples' Scattering")), Peter and the unnamed disciple demonstrate a surprising, albeit flawed, loyalty by following. John 18:15 serves as a crucial transition, moving the narrative from the garden to the high priest's courtyard, where Jesus will face His initial interrogation before Annas and Caiaphas ([John 18:13-27](/john/18-13-27 "John 18:13-27 - Jesus Before Annas and Peter's Denials")), and where Peter's faith will be severely tested. The detail of the "other disciple" being known to the high priest is vital as it explains the access that allows for the eyewitness account of the subsequent events.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "palace of the high priest" (Greek: `aulē`) refers not to a grand public building, but to a large, enclosed residential compound or courtyard, typical of wealthy individuals in Jerusalem. This was likely the residence of Caiaphas, the reigning high priest, or his influential father-in-law, Annas, to whom Jesus was first brought ([John 18:13](/john/18-13 "John 18:13 - Jesus Led to Annas")). Such compounds often featured an open central area where servants, guards, and visitors would gather, making it a semi-public, yet private, space. The fact that "another disciple" was "known unto the high priest" suggests a social or familial connection, possibly through business dealings (as John's family was involved in fishing, they might have had connections for selling their produce in Jerusalem to the elite or temple). This connection was highly unusual for a Galilean disciple and provided a unique, privileged access point into the inner circle of the Jewish religious establishment during a highly sensitive time.
* **Key Themes:** John 18:15 contributes to several overarching themes within the Gospel of John. Firstly, it highlights the **cost and nature of discipleship**, contrasting Peter's bold but ultimately faltering loyalty with the perfect obedience of Jesus. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **eyewitness testimony**, as the unnamed disciple (traditionally identified as John, the author) gains crucial access to document the events from an intimate perspective, reinforcing the Gospel's claim to historical reliability ([John 21:24](/john/21-24 "John 21:24 - The Witness of the Beloved Disciple")). Thirdly, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **human frailty and divine sovereignty**, as Peter's presence, though leading to his denial, is part of a larger divine plan that Jesus willingly enters into ([John 10:18](/john/10-18 "John 10:18 - Jesus Lays Down His Life Willingly")). Finally, it emphasizes the **isolation of Jesus** as He faces His accusers, with only two disciples remaining, one of whom will soon deny Him.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **followed (Greek, _akolouthéō'_):** From a particle of union and a road, this word properly means "to be in the same way with," signifying to accompany, especially as a disciple. Peter's act of following Jesus, despite the danger, reveals a deep-seated, though imperfect, commitment to his Master. It speaks to the core identity of a disciple as one who walks in the footsteps of their teacher, even into hostile territory.
* **disciple (Greek, _mathētḗs'_):** Derived from the verb meaning "to learn," a `mathētḗs` is fundamentally a learner or pupil. Both Peter and the unnamed individual are identified by this term, emphasizing their relationship to Jesus as His students. The presence of two "disciples" in such a perilous situation underscores their unique dedication, even as their understanding and courage are about to be severely tested.
* **known (Greek, _gnōstós'_):** This term indicates being "well-known" or having an acquaintance. The fact that the "another disciple" was `gnōstós` to the high priest is a critical detail, explaining how he, and subsequently Peter, gained entry into a highly restricted private residence. This connection suggests a level of social standing or established relationship that provided unusual access to the elite circles of Jerusalem.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Simon Peter followed Jesus":** This clause highlights Peter's initial courage and loyalty, contrasting with the flight of the other disciples. Despite his earlier rash act in Gethsemane ([John 18:10](/john/18-10 "John 18:10 - Peter Strikes Malchus")), Peter's devotion compels him to remain close to Jesus, even as Jesus is led away as a prisoner. This act, while commendable in its intent, also places him directly into the environment where his faith will be tested and found wanting.
* **"and so did another disciple":** This introduces a second, unnamed follower. Consistent tradition and internal textual cues strongly identify this "another disciple" as John, the author of this Gospel. His anonymity is a characteristic literary device in John's Gospel, often used when referring to himself, such as "the disciple whom Jesus loved" ([John 13:23](/john/13-23 "John 13:23 - The Disciple Whom Jesus Loved")). His presence is crucial for the Gospel's claim of eyewitness testimony to the events that unfold.
* **"that disciple was known unto the high priest":** This is the pivotal explanatory detail. The unnamed disciple's familiarity or acquaintance with the high priest or his household is the key that unlocks access to the private residence. This connection is vital for the narrative, as it explains how two disciples, rather than just Jesus and His captors, could enter the secure compound, thus enabling them to witness the initial stages of Jesus' trial.
* **"and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest":** This final clause describes the physical entry into the high priest's compound. The term "palace" (`aulē`) refers to the courtyard or enclosed dwelling, not a public building. This setting is significant because it is within this private, yet bustling, courtyard that Peter's denials will famously occur, making it a place of both proximity to Jesus and profound spiritual danger for His disciple.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as Peter's presence in the high priest's courtyard directly sets the stage for his three denials, a dramatic fulfillment of Jesus' earlier prophecy ([John 13:38](/john/13-38 "John 13:38 - Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial")). There is an element of **irony** in Peter's attempt at loyal proximity leading directly to his greatest failure of faith. The **anonymity** of "another disciple" is a characteristic literary technique of the Gospel of John, often used by the author to refer to himself, allowing him to present himself as an eyewitness without drawing attention away from Christ. This anonymity also invites the reader to identify with the "beloved disciple." Furthermore, the verse uses **contrast** by highlighting the remaining loyalty of these two disciples against the backdrop of the flight of the others, emphasizing the unique, albeit varied, responses to Jesus' arrest.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 18:15 offers a profound theological reflection on the nature of discipleship, human frailty, and divine purpose. Peter's decision to follow, though rooted in courage and devotion, also reveals a dangerous self-reliance that will soon lead to his catastrophic failure. His proximity to Jesus in the high priest's courtyard becomes the very crucible of his spiritual testing, demonstrating that good intentions alone are insufficient without divine empowerment and humility. Conversely, the unnamed disciple's privileged access highlights the providential way in which God ensures that crucial events are witnessed and recorded, affirming the reliability of the Gospel account. This scene underscores that even in moments of human weakness and betrayal, God's sovereign plan for redemption unfolds, with Jesus willingly submitting to the process that leads to the cross.

* [John 13:36-38](/john/13-36-38 "John 13:36-38 - Peter's Boast and Jesus' Prophecy of Denial")
* [Luke 22:54-62](/luke/22-54-62 "Luke 22:54-62 - Peter's Denials in Luke")
* [John 21:15-19](/john/21-15-19 "John 21:15-19 - Jesus Restores Peter")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 18:15 serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of faith and the human condition under pressure. Peter's initial courage to follow Jesus into a hostile environment is commendable, yet his subsequent denials reveal the perilous gap between good intentions and the strength required for unwavering faithfulness. This passage challenges us to examine our own hearts: do we follow Christ only when it is convenient or safe, or are we willing to enter uncomfortable, even dangerous, spaces for His sake? More importantly, it cautions against overestimating our own spiritual strength. Peter's stumble reminds us that true endurance in faith comes not from self-confidence but from humble reliance on God's grace. It also highlights the importance of being a faithful witness, like the unnamed disciple, whose presence allowed for a crucial record of these events. Our "connections" or positions in life, like the disciple's acquaintance with the high priest, can be providential opportunities to bear witness to Christ, but they also expose us to unique temptations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to rely on my own strength rather than humbly depending on God's power?**
* **How does Peter's experience in the courtyard encourage or caution me when I face spiritual pressure or temptation?**
* **What "access" or unique position has God given me that could be used to bear witness to Christ, and what are the potential challenges or temptations associated with it?**

### FAQ
**Who was "another disciple" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: While not explicitly named, consistent early Christian tradition and internal evidence within the Gospel of John strongly identify "another disciple" as John, the author of the Gospel himself. John frequently refers to himself anonymously throughout his Gospel, often as "[the disciple whom Jesus loved](/john/13-23 "John 13:23 - The Disciple Whom Jesus Loved")" or simply "that disciple." His presence here is crucial for the eyewitness credibility of his account of Jesus' trial.

**Why was it important that "that disciple was known unto the high priest"?**

Answer: This detail is pivotal because it explains how both John (the unnamed disciple) and Simon Peter gained entry into the private, heavily guarded residence of the high priest. Without this connection, it would have been highly unlikely for them to enter, especially given the sensitive nature of Jesus' arrest. This access allowed John to be an eyewitness to the events unfolding inside, providing the detailed account found in his Gospel, and it also set the stage for Peter's subsequent denials in the courtyard, as described in [John 18:16-27](/john/18-16-27 "John 18:16-27 - Peter's Denials and Jesus Before Annas").

**What does "palace of the high priest" mean in this context?**

Answer: The Greek word used, `aulē` (G833), is better translated as "courtyard" or "enclosed dwelling compound" rather than a magnificent public "palace." It refers to the private residence of the high priest, which typically included an open central area. This was not a formal court of law, but a private setting where religious leaders conducted their business. It was in this `aulē` that servants and guards would gather, and where Peter's denials would unfold.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 18:15, while detailing the actions of Peter and the unnamed disciple, ultimately points to the supreme and perfect discipleship of Jesus Christ. Peter's flawed attempt to "follow" contrasts sharply with Jesus' unwavering obedience to His Father's will, even unto death. Jesus is the true and faithful "disciple" of the Father, perfectly fulfilling His mission. As He is led into the high priest's courtyard, seemingly abandoned and vulnerable, He is in fact fulfilling the prophecies of the suffering servant who would be "led like a lamb to the slaughter" ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - Like a Lamb Led to Slaughter")). His willingness to enter this hostile environment, to face false accusations and unjust judgment alone, underscores His role as the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Unlike Peter, who would deny Him, Jesus never wavered in His commitment to His Father's plan, demonstrating perfect trust and obedience ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). He is the High Priest who perfectly understands our weaknesses, having been tempted in every way, yet without sin ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sympathetic High Priest")), and it is His perfect faithfulness, not ours, that secures our salvation.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 22:54

¶ Then took they him, and led [him], and brought him into the high priest's house. And Peter followed afar off.

Mark 14:54

And Peter followed him afar off, even into the palace of the high priest: and he sat with the servants, and warmed himself at the fire.

Matthew 26:58

But Peter followed him afar off unto the high priest's palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end.

Matthew 26:68

Saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, Who is he that smote thee?

Matthew 26:3

Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas,