Matthew 26:71

KJV

And when he was gone out into the porch, another [maid] saw him, and said unto them that were there, This [fellow] was also with Jesus of Nazareth.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} when he {G846} was gone out {G1831} into {G1519} the porch {G4440}, another {G243} maid saw {G1492} him {G846}, and {G2532} said {G3004} unto them that were there {G1563}, This {G3778} fellow was {G2258} also {G2532} with {G3326} Jesus {G2424} of Nazareth {G3480}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He went out onto the porch, and another girl saw him and said to the people there, "This man was with Yeshua of Natzeret."

Berean Standard Bible

When Peter had gone out to the gateway, another servant girl saw him and said to the people there, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.”

American Standard Version

And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and saith unto them that were there, This man also was with Jesus of Nazareth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 26:71 recounts the second of Peter's three denials of Jesus, a pivotal moment that intensifies the pressure on the apostle as he attempts to distance himself from his Master amidst the chaotic backdrop of Jesus' unjust trial. Having moved from the courtyard to the more public "porch" or vestibule, Peter is once again identified, this time by another maid who publicly declares his association with Jesus of Nazareth to those present, further escalating the stakes of his denial.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the narrative of Jesus' arrest and trial, immediately following Peter's first denial in [Matthew 26:69-70](/matthew/26-69-70 "Matthew 26:69-70 - Peter's First Denial"). After Jesus' betrayal by Judas and His arrest in [the Garden of Gethsemane](/matthew/26-47-56 "Matthew 26:47-56 - Jesus' Arrest in Gethsemane"), Peter, despite his earlier boastful declarations of loyalty, followed Jesus at a distance to the high priest Caiaphas' courtyard. While Jesus faced an illegal night trial inside, Peter lingered among the servants and guards, attempting to remain inconspicuous. His movement "out into the porch" (Greek: _pylōna_) suggests a slight shift in location, perhaps an attempt to escape the scrutiny of the first maid or to find a better vantage point, but it inadvertently places him in a more exposed area, leading directly to this second, more public accusation. The immediate literary context highlights the escalating pressure on Peter and sets the stage for his third and most vehement denial, followed by the crowing of the rooster and his bitter repentance, as detailed in [Matthew 26:73-75](/matthew/26-73-75 "Matthew 26:73-75 - Peter's Third Denial and Repentance").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the courtyard of the high priest's house, likely a large, semi-public space where servants, guards, and other onlookers would gather, especially during a significant event like a trial. The "porch" (Greek: _pylōn_) refers to the gateway or vestibule, an entrance area that was still part of the high priest's property but more accessible to the street or a less restricted part of the complex. In ancient Jewish society, such areas were not entirely private, and conversations and observations would be common. Servants, particularly maids, often had keen eyes and ears, observing the comings and goings, and were not shy about commenting or identifying strangers. The identification of Jesus as "Jesus of Nazareth" was a common way to refer to Him, emphasizing His Galilean origin, which was often viewed with disdain by the Judean religious elite (cf. [John 1:46](/john/1-46 "John 1:46 - Nathanael's Question about Nazareth")). This identifier also served to distinguish Him from other individuals named Jesus, underscoring His humble background and, for some, undermining any messianic claims.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Matthew's Gospel and the broader Passion narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **human weakness and frailty**, even among devoted disciples. Peter, who had confidently declared his readiness to die for Jesus in [Matthew 26:33-35](/matthew/26-33-35 "Matthew 26:33-35 - Peter's Vow of Loyalty"), succumbs to fear under pressure, illustrating the stark contrast between human resolve and the need for divine strength. Secondly, it highlights the **fulfillment of prophecy**, as Jesus had explicitly foretold Peter's three denials before the rooster crowed in [Matthew 26:34](/matthew/26-34 "Matthew 26:34 - Jesus Foretells Peter's Denial"). The precise details of the denials, including the specific locations and accusers, emphasize the divine foreknowledge and sovereign control over these events, even amidst human failure. Thirdly, the escalating public nature of the denials—from a single maid to "them that were there"—illustrates the **mounting pressure and the increasing cost of discipleship** when confronted with opposition. This public exposure forces Peter into a more vehement denial, setting the stage for his profound repentance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **gone out (Greek, _exérchomai'_):** (G1831) This verb means "to issue (literally or figuratively); to come (forth, out), depart (out of), escape, get out, go (abroad, away, forth, out, thence), proceed (forth), spread abroad." Peter's act of "going out into the porch" signifies a physical movement from one part of the courtyard to another. This movement might have been an attempt to distance himself from the previous accusation or to observe the proceedings more clearly, but ironically, it led him to a more exposed position where he was again identified.
* **porch (Greek, _pylṓn'_):** (G4440) Derived from _pylē_ (gate), this noun refers to "a gate-way, door-way of a building or city; by implication, a portal or vestibule." It denotes an entrance area, often semi-public, that served as a transition space between the outside and the inner parts of a dwelling or complex. Peter's presence in the _pylōn_ suggests he was no longer deep within the private courtyard but in a more visible, transitional space, making him more susceptible to public recognition.
* **saw (Greek, _eídō'_):** (G1492) This primary verb, used here in the aorist, means "to see (literally or figuratively); by implication, (in the perfect tense only) to know." In this context, it signifies a direct, visual perception. The "another maid" directly perceived Peter's presence and recognized him, leading to her immediate accusation. The act of seeing here is the catalyst for the second confrontation, highlighting the inescapable nature of Peter's situation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when he was gone out into the porch":** This phrase describes Peter's physical relocation from the inner courtyard, where the first denial occurred, to the outer vestibule or gateway. This movement, perhaps intended to reduce scrutiny or gain a better vantage point, ironically places him in a more exposed and public area, setting the scene for his next challenge.
* **"another [maid] saw him":** This signifies the appearance of a new accuser, distinct from the maid who initiated the first denial. The use of "another" emphasizes the persistent and relentless nature of the accusations Peter faces. The maid's act of "seeing" him implies direct visual recognition, confirming his presence in a place where he likely sought to remain unnoticed.
* **"and said unto them that were there":** Unlike the first denial, which might have been a more direct, private confrontation, this accusation is made publicly. The maid speaks "unto them that were there," indicating a group of onlookers, guards, or other servants. This public declaration significantly raises the stakes for Peter, forcing him to deny Jesus in front of multiple witnesses.
* **"This [fellow] was also with Jesus of Nazareth":** This is the direct accusation, clearly linking Peter to Jesus. The phrase "Jesus of Nazareth" identifies Jesus by His hometown, often used by those who did not fully acknowledge His divine claims or messianic identity. The word "also" (Greek: _kai_) emphasizes Peter's shared association with Jesus, implying a close connection that the maid had observed or inferred.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several literary devices to heighten its dramatic impact and theological significance. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as this event directly fulfills Jesus' earlier prophecy that Peter would deny Him three times before the rooster crowed (cf. [Matthew 26:34](/matthew/26-34 "Matthew 26:34 - Jesus Foretells Peter's Denial")). This literary technique underscores divine sovereignty and the certainty of prophetic fulfillment, even through human failure. **Dramatic Irony** is also at play; the audience is aware of Peter's earlier fervent boasts of loyalty (cf. [Matthew 26:33](/matthew/26-33 "Matthew 26:33 - Peter's Bold Declaration")), which stand in stark contrast to his current actions, creating a sense of tragic inevitability. The shift in location to the "porch" can be seen as **Symbolism**, representing Peter's movement from a place of relative concealment to one of greater exposure, mirroring the increasing pressure and public nature of his denials. The **Repetition** of the denial motif, with distinct accusers and escalating public exposure, builds narrative tension and emphasizes the severity of Peter's spiritual struggle.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 26:71 powerfully illustrates the profound fragility of human resolve when confronted with intense fear and external pressure. Peter's repeated denial, especially as it becomes more public, serves as a stark reminder that even the most devoted disciples are susceptible to spiritual weakness and temptation without the sustaining grace of God. This moment highlights the critical theological truth that genuine faith is not merely intellectual assent or emotional fervor, but a deep reliance on God's strength, especially in moments of crisis. It also underscores the meticulous fulfillment of divine prophecy, demonstrating God's sovereign knowledge and control over all events, even those involving human sin and failure. Peter's fall, though grievous, ultimately serves as a powerful testament to the depth of God's grace and the possibility of restoration for those who stumble.

* [Matthew 26:69-70](/matthew/26-69-70 "Matthew 26:69-70 - Peter's First Denial")
* [Matthew 26:34](/matthew/26-34 "Matthew 26:34 - Jesus Foretells Peter's Denial")
* [John 21:15-19](/john/21-15-19 "John 21:15-19 - Jesus Restores Peter")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Peter's experience in Matthew 26:71 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It serves as a sobering reminder that even those with the strongest intentions and deepest love for Christ can falter under pressure. Peter's move "into the porch" might symbolize our own attempts to find a "safe" distance from challenging situations, only to find ourselves more exposed. This passage calls us to humility, recognizing our inherent weakness and the constant need for God's empowering grace. It challenges us to examine our own lives: where do we compromise our faith to avoid discomfort or persecution? Are we willing to publicly identify with Jesus, even when it's unpopular or risky? Peter's failure is not presented as a condemnation but as a testament to the reality of human struggle and the incredible grace of God that allows for repentance and restoration. His subsequent bitter weeping (cf. [Matthew 26:75](/matthew/26-75 "Matthew 26:75 - Peter's Bitter Weeping")) underscores the pain of denying Christ and the necessity of genuine remorse. We are called to vigilance, prayer, and a humble reliance on the Holy Spirit, rather than self-confidence, to navigate the trials of faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel the most pressure to deny or downplay your association with Jesus?**
* **How does Peter's experience challenge your understanding of personal strength versus reliance on God's grace?**
* **What steps can you take to cultivate a deeper reliance on Christ's strength when facing temptation or fear?**

### FAQ

**Why did Peter go "out into the porch" after his first denial?**

Answer: Peter's movement "out into the porch" (Greek: _pylōn_, meaning a gateway or vestibule) after his first denial (recorded in [Matthew 26:69-70](/matthew/26-69-70 "Matthew 26:69-70 - Peter's First Denial")) is not explicitly stated as to his motivation, but several possibilities exist. He might have been trying to escape the scrutiny of the first maid who identified him, seeking a less conspicuous spot. Alternatively, he could have been trying to get a better view of the proceedings inside the high priest's house, where Jesus was being tried. It's also possible he was simply moving around due to the cold, as the text mentions a fire in the courtyard (cf. [Matthew 26:69](/matthew/26-69 "Matthew 26:69 - Peter's First Denial")). Ironically, moving to the porch, a more public and transitional area, only exposed him to another accuser and a more public confrontation.

**What is the significance of "Jesus of Nazareth" in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "Jesus of Nazareth" was a common way to identify Jesus, referring to His hometown in Galilee. In this context, it carries several layers of significance. For those in Judea, particularly the religious elite, Nazareth was often viewed with disdain or skepticism (cf. [John 1:46](/john/1-46 "John 1:46 - Nathanael's Question about Nazareth")), implying a humble or even contemptible origin. By identifying Peter as being "with Jesus of Nazareth," the maid not only links him to the accused man but also implicitly associates him with a figure who, from a Judean perspective, lacked the prestigious background or credentials expected of a Messiah. This identifier highlights the social and regional prejudices of the time and underscores the humble, non-elite origins of Jesus and His early followers.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Matthew 26:71 vividly portrays Peter's human weakness and failure, it ultimately points to the perfect, unwavering obedience of Jesus Christ, who stands in stark contrast to His faltering disciple. Peter's denial, born of fear and self-preservation, highlights the universal human condition of sin and inadequacy. Yet, at the very moment Peter is denying Him, Jesus is inside, steadfastly enduring an unjust trial, perfectly fulfilling the Father's will and setting His face like flint towards the cross (cf. [Isaiah 50:7](/isaiah/50-7 "Isaiah 50:7 - The Servant's Resolve")). Jesus, the true and faithful Israelite, never denies His Father or His mission, even when facing the ultimate pressure. His perfect obedience, culminating in His atoning death and resurrection, provides the very grace by which Peter, and all believers, can be forgiven and restored (cf. [Romans 5:19](/romans/5-19 "Romans 5:19 - Obedience of the One")). Peter's bitter repentance and subsequent restoration (cf. [John 21:15-19](/john/21-15-19 "John 21:15-19 - Jesus Restores Peter")) are direct results of Christ's finished work, demonstrating that Jesus' perfect life and sacrifice cover even the most profound human failings, offering hope and new life to all who turn to Him.

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

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.

John 18:27

Peter then denied again: and immediately the cock crew.

Luke 22:58

And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not.

Mark 14:68

But he denied, saying, I know not, neither understand I what thou sayest. And he went out into the porch; and the cock crew.

Mark 14:69

And a maid saw him again, and began to say to them that stood by, This is [one] of them.