John 18:17

Then saith the damsel that kept the door unto Peter, Art not thou also [one] of this man's disciples? He saith, I am not.

Then {G3767} saith {G3004} the damsel {G3814} that kept the door {G2377} unto Peter {G4074}, Art {G1488} not {G3361} thou {G4771} also {G2532} one of {G1537} this {G5127} man's {G444} disciples {G3101}? He {G1565} saith {G3004}, I am {G1510} not {G3756}.

The woman at the gate said to Kefa, “Aren’t you another of that man’s talmidim?” He said, “No, I’m not.”

At this, the servant girl watching the door said to Peter, “Aren’t you also one of this man’s disciples?” “I am not,” he answered.

The maid therefore that kept the door saith unto Peter, Art thou also one of this man’s disciples? He saith, I am not.

John 18:17 records the first of Peter's three denials of Jesus, a pivotal moment that highlights human frailty and the fulfillment of prophecy amidst the dramatic events of Christ's arrest and trial. The "damsel that kept the door" confronts Peter, questioning his association with Jesus, to which he responds with a stark "I am not."

Context

This verse occurs immediately after the arrest of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, as He is led to the house of Annas, the former high priest, and then to Caiaphas. Simon Peter, along with another disciple (likely John), had followed Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest. The doorkeeper, having allowed Peter entry, immediately questions his loyalty and connection to the man who has just been apprehended. This brief exchange sets the stage for Peter's subsequent denials, which take place as he warms himself by a fire in the courtyard (John 18:18).

Key Themes

  • Human Frailty and Fear: Peter, who had boldly declared his willingness to die for Jesus (John 13:37), succumbs to fear under pressure. His denial highlights the reality of human weakness, even in committed believers, when faced with danger and public scrutiny.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: This moment is a direct fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy to Peter in the Upper Room: "The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice." It underscores the divine foreknowledge and control over all events, even human failings.
  • The Cost of Discipleship: The question posed by the doorkeeper ("Art not thou also one of this man's disciples?") reveals the immediate danger associated with being a follower of Jesus during His trial. Discipleship carried a tangible risk, demanding courage and conviction in the face of potential persecution.

Practical Application

Peter's denial serves as a sobering reminder that even the most devoted among us can stumble and fall, particularly when operating in our own strength rather than relying on God's grace. It encourages empathy and understanding for those who falter, knowing that God's plan often incorporates our weaknesses for His greater glory. Ultimately, Peter's story does not end with his denial. It points forward to his profound repentance and subsequent restoration and commissioning by Jesus, illustrating God's boundless grace and capacity for forgiveness. This verse prompts us to examine our own willingness to stand for Christ, even in challenging circumstances.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Matthew 26:69

    ¶ Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee.

  • Matthew 26:70

    But he denied before [them] all, saying, I know not what thou sayest.

  • John 18:16

    But Peter stood at the door without. Then went out that other disciple, which was known unto the high priest, and spake unto her that kept the door, and brought in Peter.

  • John 18:25

    And Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. They said therefore unto him, Art not thou also [one] of his disciples? He denied [it], and said, I am not.

  • Luke 22:56

    But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with him.

  • Luke 22:57

    And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not.

  • Mark 14:66

    ¶ And as Peter was beneath in the palace, there cometh one of the maids of the high priest:

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