Waggoner on the Gospel of John - Ellet J. Waggoner

noticeably different from that of the dwellers in
Judea and Jerusalem. So "they that stood by said
again to Peter, Surely thou art one of them, for thou
art a Galilean, and thy speech agreeth thereto." But
the more he denied, the more was attention
fastened upon him. And "one of the servants of the
high priest, being his kinsman whose ear Peter cut
off, saith, Did not I see thee in the garden with
Him?" (John 18:26) This was bringing Peter into
close quarters. He was not only in danger because
of his connection with Jesus, but he was likely to
suffer because of his rash zeal in the garden. The
relative of the wounded man might be inclined to
take revenge, if the act were settled upon Peter.
And so doubly frightened Peter began to curse and
swear, saying, "I know not this man of whom you
speak." (Mark 14:71) Alas, what a change was this
from the loyal Peter in the upper chamber in loving
communion with Jesus a few hours before.
All this is recorded for our learning; but
unfortunately we too often miss the lesson. It is
easier to censure Peter's cowardice than to avoid it.
Peter is not the only disciple who has denied his
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