John 18:15–18 (WEL) Simon Peter followed Jesus as well as another disciple. That disciple was known to the high priest and went into the high priest’s courtyard with Jesus. 16 Peter, however, stood outside at the door. Then the other disciple, who was known by the high priest, went out and spoke to the girl, who was the gatekeeper, and brought Peter in. 17 Then the girl, who was the gatekeeper, said to Peter, “Aren’t you also one of this man’s disciples?” He said, “I am not!” 18 The servants and temple police stood by a fire of coals they had made because it was cold, and they warmed themselves. Peter stood with them also and warmed himself.
V15 Simon Peter followed Jesus as well as another disciple. That disciple was known to the high priest and went into the high priest’s courtyard with Jesus.
The other disciple is John the Apostle. How John knew the High Priest is conjecture. Because John was known, he was allowed into the courtyard of the High Priest.
The courtyard was common in most homes. The bigger the house, the bigger the courtyard. Houses typically were dimly lit because there were few windows. They didn’t have many windows because windows let cold air inside during winter and hot air inside during the summer. Often the courtyards were on the east to allow the prevailing westerly breezes to blow the cooking fire smoke away from the house.
Interestingly, only two followed Jesus to the high priest’s courtyard; the rest were hiding. Of the two that followed, one denied Jesus from fear. The other did not.
Principle: Even if you fear and hide or even deny Jesus. There is forgiveness for the confessing and asking for it (1 John 1:9). Remember, all were restored to fellowship and gifted by God to be Apostles.
V16 Peter, however, stood outside at the door. Then the other disciple, who was known by the high priest, went out and spoke to the girl, who was the gatekeeper, and brought Peter in.
Peter was outside the courtyard, standing at the entrance door. John recognized Peter’s voice or whatever, went to the servant in charge of the courtyard door, and spoke to her to open the door and let Peter into the courtyard.
V17 Then the girl, who was the gatekeeper, said to Peter, “Aren’t you also one of this man’s disciples?” He said, “I am not!”
When the servant girl saw Peter, she questioned him. She knew John was a disciple already, so she correctly assumed Peter was also. Yet Peter denied Jesus. Why? Most likely Peter denied because of fear of arrest, torture, and death.
Principle: Fear is a great motivator for evil. Let us be aware. God’s assisting grace is strong (2 Corinthians 12:9, 2 Corinthians 9:8, and Hebrews 4:16). Pray for strength to be bold. 40+ days later, at Pentecost, Peter was the bold one. See Acts 2.
V18 The servants and temple police stood by a fire of coals they had made because it was cold, and they warmed themselves. Peter stood with them also and warmed himself.
Being chilly, all were standing near the fire to warm up. Peter also was warming himself.
Note Peter is not fellowshipping with these people but is merely warming himself. Compare 1 Corinthians 5:9.
We learn:
- Fear can strip us of our boldness.
- This denial is not a loss of salvation; it is a sin.
- God is merciful. He forgave Peter, and God will forgive us, too.
Questions:
- Has fear ever stopped you from acknowledging you are a Christian?
- Have you ever denied being a Christian, a follower of Jesus Christ?