After a little while those who stood by came and said to Peter, “Surely you are also one of them, for your speech makes you known.”
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 73. And after a little while. Saint Luke says, about an hour after: this seems to have been about the time that the cocks crow the second time.—They that stood by came. Saint Luke says, another man. Saint John says, the cousin to him whose ear Peter cut off. It is probable not he alone, but others with him.—Peter began to curse and swear. It is in vain to pretend to excuse Peter, as if he meant that he knew not Jesus, as man; but knew him as God. [10] They (says Saint Jerome) who are for excusing Peter in this manner, accuse Christ of a lie, who foretold that he should deny him. Witham.—See how one fall draws on another, and generally a deeper: to a simple untruth is added perjury; and to this, horrible imprecations against himself. Lord, Jesus, preserve me! or, I also shall deny thee!