Topical Encyclopedia Peter's denials of Jesus are a significant event in the New Testament, illustrating human weakness and the fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy regarding Peter's actions. These denials are recorded in all four Gospels, with each account providing unique details that contribute to a fuller understanding of the event.Context and Background The denials occur during the events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus. After the Last Supper, Jesus predicts that Peter will deny Him three times before the rooster crows. This prophecy is found in Matthew 26:34, Mark 14:30, Luke 22:34, and John 13:38. Despite Peter's vehement insistence that he would never disown Jesus, the prophecy unfolds as Jesus is arrested and taken to the high priest's courtyard. Second Denial The second denial takes place shortly after the first. According to the Gospel of Matthew, "Then he went out to the gateway, where another servant girl saw him and said to the people there, 'This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.' And again he denied it with an oath: 'I do not know the man!'" (Matthew 26:71-72). Mark's account adds that Peter moved to the entryway, where the servant girl saw him again and began to say to the bystanders, "This man is one of them." Peter denied it again (Mark 14:69-70). Luke's Gospel provides a slightly different perspective, noting that "A little later, someone else saw him and said, 'You also are one of them.' 'Man, I am not!' Peter replied" (Luke 22:58). John's account does not specify the second denial separately but indicates that Peter was standing by a fire warming himself when he was questioned again (John 18:25). Third Denial The third denial follows soon after the second. Matthew records, "After a little while, those standing nearby came up to Peter. 'Surely you are one of them,' they said, 'for your accent gives you away.' Then he began to curse and swear to them, 'I do not know the man!' And immediately a rooster crowed" (Matthew 26:73-74). Mark's Gospel similarly notes that the bystanders insisted, "Surely you are one of them, for you too are a Galilean." Peter began to curse and swear, "I do not know this man you are talking about!" (Mark 14:70-71). Luke's account states, "About an hour later, another man insisted, 'Certainly this man was with Him, for he too is a Galilean.' But Peter said, 'Man, I do not know what you are talking about.' At that moment, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed" (Luke 22:59-60). John's Gospel describes a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off questioning him, "Did I not see you with Him in the garden?" Peter denied it again, and immediately a rooster crowed (John 18:26-27). Significance Peter's denials are a poignant reminder of human frailty and the pressures of fear and self-preservation. Despite his earlier boldness and declarations of loyalty, Peter succumbs to fear and denies his association with Jesus. This event fulfills Jesus' prophecy and highlights the need for divine grace and forgiveness, which Peter later receives after the resurrection of Christ. The denials also serve as a powerful narrative of repentance and restoration, as Peter goes on to become a foundational leader in the early Christian church. Subtopics Peter of the Law of Defilement Peter of the Law of Forgiveness Peter of the Parable of the Steward Peter of the Prophecy of Jesus Concerning his Second Coming Peter: Accused by the Council; his Defense Peter: Also Called Simon Bar-Jona and Cephas Peter: Calls Attention to the Withered Fig Tree Peter: Confesses Jesus to be the Messiah Peter: Cuts off the Ear of Malchus Peter: Follows Jesus to the High Priest's Palace Peter: Foretells the Death of Ananias and Sapphira Peter: Has a Vision of a Sheet Containing Ceremonially Clean and Unclean Animals Peter: Heals the Immobile Man in the Portico of the Temple Peter: His Denial of Jesus, and his Repentance Peter: His Mother-In-Law Healed Peter: His Presumption in Rebuking Jesus Peter: His Presumption in Refusing to Let Jesus Wash Peter's Feet Peter: His Statement in Front of the Disciples Concerning the Death of Judas Peter: His Treachery Foretold by Jesus, and his Profession of Fidelity Peter: Imprisoned and Delivered by an Angel Peter: Imprisoned and Scourged; his Defense Before the Council Peter: Jesus Sends Message To, After the Resurrection Peter: Prays for the Reception of the Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit Peter: Preaches on Pentecost Day Peter: Present at Lake Tiberias when Jesus Appeared to his Disciples Peter: Present in the Garden of Gethsemane Peter: Present: At the Healing of Jairus' Daughter Peter: Present: At the Transfiguration Peter: Rebukes Simon, the Sorcerer, Who Desires to Purchase This Power Peter: Receives the Servant of the Centurion Peter: Sent With John to Prepare the Passover Meal Peter: Visits Joppa; Stays With Simon, the Tanner; Raises Dorcas from the Dead Peter: Visits Lydda; Heals Aeneas Peter: Visits the Gravesite of Jesus Peter: Walks Upon the Water of Lake Galilee Select Readings: Peter on the Day of Pentecost Related Terms |