Is There Inconsistency in the Bible about Peter Denying Jesus Three Times and Is it Significant?
There are many who try to talk people out of believing Jesus is their Savior. They say that there are inconsistencies in the Bible, which they call lies, but is that true? I will do thorough research to see if there are inconsistencies related to Peter denying Jesus three times and analyze my findings to see if they are even significant.
In this Biblical Research Project, I will use the New King James Version [NKJV] of the Bible and internet sources, as needed. There are times the word “he” and the word “him” are used within the same passage. I will put in brackets who is speaking or who is being spoken to any time I determine that it will be beneficial for clarity. Additionally, I will put within brackets my analysis, evaluation, opinions, and comments.
If you would like to read this Biblical Research Project or any of my previous ones in their entirety, you will find them on either of these two blogs I felt led to create to post these: Biblical Proof! at https://BiblicalProof.blogspot.com/ or Do Biblical Inconsistencies Really Matter? at https://Biblicalinconsistencies.blogspot.com/
First, I will share the bulk of the passages related to my research. Then, I will pull similar related sections from other Gospels together to analyze each of those for consistencies and inconsistencies to determine if they are even significant.
I think that in order to make it easier for people to follow my research process, I will use different colored fonts for each of the books of the Bible I analyze. I will use blue for passages from Matthew, orange for passages from Mark, green for passages from Luke, and brown for passages from the Gospel of John.
Matthew 26:31-35 says: Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written: ‘I will strike the Shepherd, And the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee.” Peter answered and said to Him [Jesus], “Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble.” Jesus said to him [Peter], “Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” Peter said to Him, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!” And so said all the disciples. In the Garden of Gethsemane 26:38 goes on to say: Then He [Jesus] said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with me.” This is right after Judas has betrayed Jesus 26:51-58: And suddenly, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword, struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear. But Jesus said to him, “Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels? How then could the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must happen thus?” In that hour Jesus said to the multitudes, “Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs to take Me? I sat daily with you, teaching in the temple, and you did not seize Me. But all this was done that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples forsook Him [Jesus] and fled. And those who laid hold of Jesus led Him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled. But Peter followed Him [Jesus] at a distance to the high priest’s courtyard. And he [Peter] went in and sat with the servants to see the end. In 26:69-75 is the portion when they are questioning Jesus: Now Peter sat outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came to him, saying, “You also were with Jesus of Galilee.” But he [Peter] denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you are saying.” And when he [Peter] had gone out to the gateway, another girl saw him and said to those who were there, “This fellow also was with Jesus of Nazareth.” But again he [Peter] denied with an oath, “I do not know the Man!” And a little later those who stood by came up and said to Peter, “Surely you also are one of them, for your speech betrays you.” Then he [Peter] began to curse and swear, saying, “I do not know the Man!” Immediately a rooster crowed. And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” So he [Peter] went out and wept bitterly.
Mark 14:27-31 says: Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written: ‘I will strike the Shepherd, And the sheep will be scattered.’ But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee.” Peter said to Him [Jesus], “Even if all are made to stumble, yet I will not be.” Jesus said to him [Peter], “Assuredly, I say to you that today, even this night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.” But he [Peter] spoke more vehemently, “If I have to die with You, I will not deny You!” And they all said likewise. In 14:46-50, right after Judas had betrayed Jesus: Then they laid their hands on Him [Jesus] and took Him. And one of those who stood by drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear. Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs to take Me? I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and you did not seize Me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.” Then they [the disciples] all forsook Him and fled. 14:53-54 goes on to say: And they led Jesus away to the high priest; and with him were assembled all the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes. But Peter followed Him [Jesus] at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. And he [Peter] sat with the servants and warmed himself at the fire. 14:66-72 yet says: Now as Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came. And when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked at him and said, “You also were with Jesus of Nazareth.” But he [Peter] denied it, saying, “I neither know nor understand what you are saying.” And he [Peter] went out on the porch, and a rooster crowed. And the servant girl saw him again, and began to say to those who stood by, “This is one of them.” But he [Peter] denied it again. And a little later those who stood by said to Peter again, “Surely you are one of them; for you are a Galilean, and your speech shows it.” Then he [Peter] began to curse and swear, “I do not know this Man of whom you speak!” A second time the rooster crowed. Then Peter called to mind the word that Jesus had said to him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.” And when he thought about it, he wept.
Luke 22:31-34 is a discussion Jesus has with the disciples at the Last Supper: And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.” But he [Peter] said to Him [Jesus], “Lord, I am ready to go with You, both to prison and to death.” Then He [Jesus] said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster shall not crow this day before you will deny three times that you know Me.” After Jesus has been betrayed by Judas 22:49-62 goes on to say: When those around Him [Jesus] saw what was going to happen, they said to Him, “Lord, shall we strike with a sword?” And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. But Jesus answered and said, “Permit even this.” And He [Jesus] touched his ear and healed him. Then Jesus said to the chief priests, captains of the temple, and the elders who had come to Him, “Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs? When I was with you daily in the temple, you did not try to seize Me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.” Having arrested Him [Jesus], they led Him and brought Him into the high priest’s house. But Peter followed at a distance. Now when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat among them. And a certain servant girl, seeing him [Peter] as he sat by the fire, looked intently at him and said, “This man was also with Him [Jesus].” But he [Peter] denied Him, saying, “Woman, I do not know Him [Jesus].” And after a little while another saw him [Peter] and said, “You also are of them.” But Peter said, “Man, I am not!” Then after about an hour had passed, another confidently affirmed saying, “Surely this fellow also was with Him [Jesus], for he is a Galilean.” But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are saying!” Immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He [Jesus] had said to him [Peter], “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” So Peter went out and wept bitterly.
John 13:33-38 At the last Supper Jesus says: “Little children, I shall be with you a little while longer. You will seek Me; and as I said to the Jews, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come,’ so now I say to you. A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” Simon Peter said to Him [Jesus], “Lord, where are You going? Jesus answered him, “Where I am going you cannot follow Me now, but you shall follow Me afterward.” Peter said to Him [Jesus], “Lord, why can I not follow You now? I will lay down my life for Your sake.” Jesus answered him [Peter], “Will you lay down your life for My sake? Most assuredly, I say to you, the rooster shall not crow till you have denied Me three times.” Jesus in 16:32 goes on to say: “Indeed the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own, and will leave Me alone. And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. In 18:6 after Judas has betrayed Jesus yet says: Now when He said to them [soldiers], “I am He,” they [the disciples] drew back and fell to the ground. 18:10-18 further says: Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus. So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into the sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?” Then the detachment of troops and the captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound Him. And they led Him away to Annas first, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas who was high priest that year. Now it was Caiaphas who advised the Jews that it was expedient that one man should die for the people. And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple [John]. Now that disciple was known to the high priest, and went with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest. But Peter stood at the door outside. Then the other disciple [John], who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to her who kept the door, and brought Peter in. Then the servant girl who kept the door said to Peter, “You are not also one of this Mans’ disciples, are you?” He [Peter] said, “I am not.” Now the servants and officers who had made a fire of coals stood there, for it was cold, and they warmed themselves. And Peter stood with them and warmed himself. 18:24-27 yet says: Then Annas sent Him [Jesus] bound to Caiaphas the high priest. Now Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. Therefore they said to him [Peter], “You are not also one of His disciples, are you?” He [Peter] denied it and said, “I am not!” One of the servants of the high priest, a relative of him whose ear Peter cut off, said, “Did I not see you in the garden with Him?” Peter then denied again; and immediately a rooster crowed.
What did Peter say to Jesus before He informed Peter he would betray Him?
Matthew 26:33 says: Peter answered and said to Him [Jesus], “Even if all
are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble.”
Mark 14:29 says: Peter said to Him [Jesus], “Even if all are made to
stumble, yet I will not be.”
Luke 22:33 says: But he [Peter] said to Him [Jesus], “Lord, I am ready
to go with You, both to prison and to death.”
John 13:37 says: Peter said to Him [Jesus], “Lord, why can I not follow You now? I will lay down my life for Your sake.”
[If you look at these four passages literally, the one from Matthew says: “Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble.” The passage from Mark says: “Even if all are made to stumble, yet I will not be.” These two passages both use the word stumble, but they aren’t word for word the same? Is that an inconsistency? Well, technically it is, but in reality, when doing research to determine validity, it is not based on the witnesses or the testimonies of the witnesses saying everything exactly the same. If you watch this brief YouTube video by J. Warner Wallace, a Cold Case Detective: Were the Gospels Written by Eyewitnesses? You can find this at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=siOcvLyKuEk This 3 minute 27 second video gives information on how he evaluated the Gospel testimony by the same criteria he uses to investigate Cold Cases and he still found the Gospel testimony to be valid.]
[While reading Cold Case Christianity for Kids, by J. Warner Wallace to younger family members, I found that witnesses who say things almost exactly the same, speaks more to collusion where witnesses have planned together what they are going to say in order to deceive others.]
[With this in mind, both of the passages I just shared from Matthew and
Mark are very similar, but not identical. Additionally, we will look at the
passage in Luke which says: “Lord, I am ready to go
with You, both to prison and to death.”
While the passage in John says: “Lord, why can I not follow You now? I will lay down my life for Your sake.” In evaluating all four passages, we find that they all are still saying basically the same thing, although each of them said it from their own perspective, which is common for valid testimony. Therefore, all four of these passages are very consistent.]
[Since the analysis process and validity has been covered in this question, the rest of the research questions will not be analyzed on a literal level, as was first shared. Analysis will be focused on more in-depth evaluation, looking to see if there are significant inconsistencies within related passages.]
What did Jesus say when He informed Peter he would betray him?
Matthew 26:34 says: Jesus said to him [Peter], “Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you
will deny Me three times.”
Mark 14:30 says: Jesus said to him [Peter], “Assuredly, I say to you that today, even this night, before the rooster
crows twice, you will deny Me three times.”
Luke 22:34 says: Then He [Jesus] said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster shall not crow this day before you will
deny three times that you know Me.”
John 13:38 says: “Will you lay down your life for My sake? Most assuredly, I say to you, the rooster shall not crow till you have denied Me three times.”
[My research will focus on the primary portions of the passages that are pertinent.]
Matthew says: “...before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.”
Mark says: “...before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.”
Luke says: “...the rooster shall not
crow this day before you will deny three times that you know Me.”
John says: “...the rooster shall not crow till you have denied Me three times.”
[In looking at these four passages, Matthew, Luke, and John all say that before the rooster crows Peter will deny Jesus three times. The Gospel of Mark says that before the rooster crows twice, he will deny Jesus three times. Is that an inconsistency? Well, yes, but a minor one. Sometimes people get too focused on looking for exactly identical testimony, and get lost in the weeds, as I explained in the previous question. So, let’s break this down further, for the sake of clarity.]
[Is it significant if the rooster had not crowed or had crowed twice before Peter denied Jesus three times? Neither of those is significant. What truly is significant is that Peter denied Jesus three times and that Jesus had foretold this before it happened. All four passages are very consistent in recording this. And all four passages have Peter’s denial around the time of the rooster crowing.]
What was Peter’s response to Jesus, if any?
Matthew 26:35 says: Peter said to Him, “Even if I have to die with
You, I will not deny You!” And so said all the disciples.
Mark 14:31 says: But he [Peter] spoke more vehemently, “If I have to die
with You, I will not deny You!” And they all said likewise.
It is recorded in Luke 22:33 that Peter had said this before Jesus told
him that he would deny Jesus three times: But
he [Peter] said to Him [Jesus], “Lord, I am ready to go with You, both to
prison and to death.”
John records a response from Peter before Jesus said Peter would deny Him three times. It is recorded in John 13:37 that Peter had said, “I will lay down my life for Your sake.”
[Is it inconsistent that two of the Gospels record that Peter said that he would be willing to die with Jesus after Jesus tells Peter that he will deny Jesus three times and two of them record that Peter said this before Jesus told him this? No, this is not inconsistent, nor is it even a significant difference.]
What happens right after Judas betrays Jesus?
Matthew 26:51 says: And suddenly, one of those who were with Jesus
stretched out his hand and drew his sword, struck the servant of the high
priest, and cut off his ear.
Mark 14:46-47 says: Then they laid their hands on Him [Jesus] and took
Him. And one of those who stood by drew his sword and struck the servant of
the high priest, and cut off his ear.
Luke 22:49-50 says: When those around Him [Jesus] saw what was going to
happen, they said to Him, “Lord, shall we strike with a sword?” And one of
them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear.
John 18:10 says: Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus.
[All four Gospel passages say basically the same thing and are consistent in recording that someone cut off the ear of the servant of the high priest. The Gospel of John adds additional information which happens periodically in the Bible. The Gospel of John lets the reader know that the disciple who cut off the servant’s ear was Peter. It also says that the name of the high priest’s servant was Malchus.]
[In doing Biblical Research, I have found that some of the Gospel writers add additional information and some add less, in that it appears to already be adequately recorded.]
What is Jesus’ response to this?
Matthew 26:52-56 says: But Jesus said to him, “Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the
sword. Or do you think that I cannot
now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of
angels? How then could the Scriptures
be fulfilled, that it must happen thus?” In that hour Jesus said to the multitudes, “Have you come out, as against a
robber, with swords and clubs to take Me? I sat daily with you, teaching in the temple, and you did not seize
Me. But all this was done that
the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples forsook Him [Jesus] and
fled.
Mark 14:48-50 says: Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Have you come out, as against a robber, with
swords and clubs to take Me? I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and
you did not seize Me. But
the Scriptures must be fulfilled.” Then they [the disciples]
all forsook Him and fled.
Luke 22:51-53 says: But Jesus answered and said, “Permit even this.” And He [Jesus] touched his ear and healed him. Then Jesus said to the chief priests,
captains of the temple, and the elders who had come to Him, “Have you come out, as against a robber, with
swords and clubs? When I was with you daily in the temple, you did not try to
seize Me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.”
Jesus in John 16:32 says: “Indeed the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own, and will leave Me alone. And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. John 18:6 yet says: Now when He said to them [soldiers], “I am He,” they [the disciples] drew back and fell to the ground. John 18:11-12 goes on to say: So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into the sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?” Then the detachment of troops and the captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound Him.
[There are several aspects of these four passages that need to be analyzed. I have color coded it for those who choose to view this on either of the blog sites where this will be posted. I have copied the portions together and will share these aloud for those listening to this on the podcast.
Matthew has Jesus saying: “Put your sword in its place,
for all who take the sword will perish by the sword and later has Him saying: “But all this was done that the Scriptures of the
prophets might be fulfilled.” Also,
Jesus says:How
then could the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must happen thus?”
Mark has Jesus saying: “But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.”
Luke has Jesus saying: “Permit even this.”
John has Jesus saying: “Put your sword into the sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?”
[Even though each of these four Gospel recordings have basically said by Jesus’ comments, that He was stopping the disciples from fighting against the soldiers, etc. who came to capture Jesus. It makes the most sense when you have the four passages together, because Jesus is telling His disciples that this has to happen to fulfill the Scriptures.]
[Another portion of most of these related passages is Jesus’ frustration with them capturing Him like a common robber when He was with them daily. This is evident in the following passages.]
Matthew says: Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords
and clubs to take Me? I
sat daily with you, teaching in the temple, and you did not seize Me.
Mark says: “Have
you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs to take Me? I was
daily with you in the temple teaching, and you did not seize Me.”
Luke says: Then Jesus said to the chief priests, captains of the temple,
and the elders who had come to Him, “Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and
clubs? When I was with you daily in the temple, you did not try to seize Me.
But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.”
John says: 18:11-12 goes on to say: So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into the sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?”
[Jesus is basically saying not to fight the soldiers, etc, since He plans to fulfill the Scriptures and do what was requested by God His Father by giving His life, the ransom for many, although that isn’t all explained in this passage.]
[Some additional interesting information follows:]
Matthew 26:31 says: Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble
because of Me this night, for it is written: ‘I will strike the Shepherd, And the sheep of the flock will be
scattered.’ It also says similarly
in
Mark 14:27: then Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this
night, for it is written: ‘I will strike the Shepherd, And the sheep will be
scattered.’
John 16:32 records: “Indeed the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own, and will leave Me alone.
These three Gospels below corroborate Jesus’ prediction after the Last Supper.
Matthew records: Then all the disciples forsook Him [Jesus] and
fled.
Mark records: Then
they [the disciples] all forsook Him and fled.
John records: Now when He said to them [soldiers], “I am He,” they [the disciples] drew back and fell to the ground.
[Additionally, Matthew 26:53 had Jesus reminding the disciples that He is not fighting His capture: “Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels?” Luke 22:51 shows that Jesus healed the ear of the high priest’s servant that Peter had cut off: And He [Jesus] touched his ear and healed him. John 18:12 tells: Then the detachment of troops and the captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound Him.
[Actually, all four Gospels talk about Jesus being led away after being captured, but the Gospel of John is the only one that says that they had bound Jesus. Are any of these things inconsistent? No, they are additional information that sometimes the Gospel writers add for clarity. To be honest with you, none of these interesting pieces of information relate to the research topic of analyzing to see if there are significant inconsistencies related to Jesus telling Peter he would deny Him three times. They are here for additional background information.]
Where was Peter when they led Jesus away, so that He could be questioned?
Matthew 26:57-58 says: And those who laid hold of Jesus led Him away to
Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled. But
Peter followed Him [Jesus] at a distance to the high priest’s courtyard. And he
[Peter] went in and sat with the servants to see the end.
Mark 14:53-54 says: And they led Jesus away to the high priest; and with
him were assembled all the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes. But
Peter followed Him [Jesus] at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high
priest. And he [Peter] sat with the servants and warmed himself at the
fire.
Luke 22:54-55 says: Having arrested Him [Jesus], they led Him and
brought Him into the high priest’s house. But Peter followed at a distance. Now
when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the courtyard and sat down
together, Peter sat among them.
John 18:12-13 says: Then the detachment of troops and the captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound Him. And they led Him away to Annas first, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas who was high priest that year. 18:15-16 goes on to say: And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple [John]. Now that disciple was known to the high priest, and went with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest. But Peter stood at the door outside. Then the other disciple [John], who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to her who kept the door, and brought Peter in.
Matthew says: But Peter followed Him [Jesus] at a distance to the high
priest’s courtyard. And he [Peter] went in and sat with the servants to see the
end.
Mark says: But Peter followed Him [Jesus] at a distance, right into the
courtyard of the high priest. And he [Peter] sat with the servants and warmed
himself at the fire.
Luke says: But Peter followed at a distance. Now when they had
kindled a fire in the midst of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat
among them.
John says: And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple [John].
[Basically, all four Gospels are pretty consistent about Peter following Jesus at a distance as Jesus was led to be questioned. The Gospel of John adds additional information, because as you will see, John was right there with Peter, at the time.
The rest of John 18:16 continues to say: Now that disciple [John] was known to the high priest, and went with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest. But Peter stood at the door outside. Then the other disciple [John], who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to her who kept the door, and brought Peter in.
[John quite often adds additional pertinent information when he records things. He is also the same Gospel writer who appears to not record information that is already adequately recorded. It’s one of the interesting things I have found about the Apostle John as I’ve done all this Biblical research in the last couple of years.]
What happened when Peter was first questioned about Jesus?
Mathew 26:69-70 says: Now Peter sat outside in the courtyard. And a
servant girl came to him, saying, “You also were
with Jesus of Galilee.” But he
[Peter] denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you are saying.”
Mark 14:66-68 says: Now as Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the
servant girls of the high priest came. And when she saw Peter warming himself,
she looked at him and said, “You
also were with Jesus of Nazareth.” But
he [Peter] denied it, saying, “I neither know nor understand what you are
saying.” And he [Peter] went out
on the porch, and a rooster crowed.
Luke 22:56-57 says: And a certain servant girl, seeing him [Peter] as he
sat by the fire, looked intently at him and said, “This man was also with Him [Jesus].” But he [Peter] denied Him, saying, “Woman, I do not know Him [Jesus].”
John 18:17-18 says: Then the servant girl who kept the door said to Peter, “You are not also one of this Mans’ disciples, are you?” He [Peter] said, “I am not.” Now the servants and officers who had made a fire of coals stood there, for it was cold, and they warmed themselves. And Peter stood with them and warmed himself.
[These passages in Matthew, Mark, and Luke all say that Peter was
questioned about being with Jesus. John records that Peter was asked if he was
one of Jesus’ disciples, which is basically the same thing, so they are pretty
consistent. In each of the Gospels, Peter denied Jesus either by saying he did
not understand them, he wasn’t one of Jesus’ disciples, or he did not know
Jesus.
What happened when Peter was questioned about Jesus the second time?
Matthew 26:71-72 says: And when he [Peter] had gone out to the gateway, another
girl saw him and said to those who were there, “This fellow also was with Jesus of Nazareth.” But again he [Peter] denied with an oath, “I do not
know the Man!”
Mark 14:69-70 ½ says: And the
servant girl saw him again, and began to say to those who stood by, “This is
one of them.” But he [Peter] denied it again.
Luke 22:59 says: And after a little while
another saw him [Peter] and said, “You also are of them.” But Peter said, “Man, I am not!”
John 18:25 says: Now Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. Therefore they said to him [Peter], “You are not also one of His disciples, are you?” He [Peter] denied it and said, “I am not!”
[Matthew, Mark, and Luke all have the second person saying that Peter was with Jesus. The Gospel of John says pretty much the same thing, but says it through a question asked negatively: “You are not also one of His disciples are you?” So, even though the question in John is phrased in a negative way, they are all basically consistent. In each of the recordings, Peter denied that he was either one of Jesus’ disciples or that he knew Him.]
What happened when Peter was questioned about Jesus the third time?
Matthew 26:73-75 says: And a little later those who stood by came up and
said to Peter, “Surely you also are one of them,
for your speech betrays you.” Then he
[Peter] began to curse and swear, saying, “I do not know the Man!” Immediately a rooster crowed. And Peter
remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” So he [Peter] went out and wept bitterly.
Mark 14:70 ½-72 says: And a little later those who stood by said to Peter again, “Surely you
are one of them; for you are a Galilean, and your speech shows it.” Then he [Peter] began to curse and swear, “I do not
know this Man of whom you speak!” A second time the rooster crowed. Then
Peter called to mind the word that Jesus had said to him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.” And when he thought about it, he wept.
Luke 22:59-62 says: Then after about an hour had passed, another confidently affirmed saying, “Surely this
fellow also was with Him [Jesus], for he is a Galilean.” But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are
saying!” Immediately, while he was
still speaking, the rooster crowed. And the Lord turned and looked at
Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He [Jesus] had said to
him [Peter], “Before the rooster crows,
you will deny Me three times.” So Peter went out and wept
bitterly.
John 18:26-28 says: One of the servants of the high priest, a relative of him whose ear Peter cut off, said, “Did I not see you in the garden with Him?” Peter then denied again; and immediately a rooster crowed.
[Matthew, Mark, and Luke are consistent in saying the third time that Peter was questioned was related to his being a Galilean, because of his speech. John talks about Peter’s being identified as being in the garden with Jesus when the servant’s ear was cut off. Is it inconsistent that these questions are not exactly the same? Although it’s a minor inconsistency, it is in no way significant, because it doesn’t matter what questions Peter was asked each time he was questioned about his relationship with Jesus. It does matter that when questioned, Peter denied that he knew Jesus or was with Him each and every time he was questioned.]
[It is especially significant that Peter denied Jesus three times around the time a rooster crowed, as Jesus had predicted at the Last Supper.]
[You would think that after Peter still betrayed Jesus three times after having been warned ahead of time, Jesus wouldn’t forgive him, but is that really the case? First, I need to set the foundation of the discussion by sharing the different times the disciples saw Jesus after He had arisen.]
On Easter evening, when Jesus showed Himself to His disciples in Galilee- John 20: 19-21 Then, the same day [Easter] at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When He [Jesus] had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.”
This discussion is after Easter when the disciples are talking with Thomas, John 20:24-25 says: Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” So he [Thomas] said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.”
The previous passage leads up to this one where Jesus meets with the disciples again in Galilee- John 20:26-31 says: And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, “Peace to you!” Then He said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.” And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.
John 21:1-6 says: After these things Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and in this way He showed Himself: Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We are going with you also.” They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing. But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Then Jesus said to them, “Children, have you any food?” They answered Him [Jesus], “No.” And He [Jesus] said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish. 21:11-19 goes on to say: Simon Peter went up and dragged the net to land, full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not broken. Jesus said to them, “Come and eat breakfast.” Yet none of the disciples dared ask Him, “Who are You?” knowing that it was the Lord. Jesus then came and took the bread and gave it to them, and likewise the fish. This is now the third time Jesus showed Himself to His disciples after He was raised from the dead. So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He [Jesus] said to him [Peter], “Feed My lambs.” He [Jesus] said to him [Peter] again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” He [Peter] said to Him [Jesus], “Yes, Lord, You know that I love You.” He [Jesus] said to him [Peter], “Tend My sheep.” He [Jesus] said to him [Peter] a third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He [Jesus] said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he [Peter] said to Him [Jesus] , “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him [Peter], “Feed My sheep. Most assuredly, I say to you when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.” This He [Jesus] spoke, signifying by what death he [Peter] would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He [Jesus] said to him [Peter], “Follow Me.”
[It seems apparent to me that at the Sea of Tiberias, Jesus is preparing Peter to be a leader to feed and tend His sheep to follow Jesus by Peter’s teaching and guiding the followers of Christ. Of course, Jesus let Peter know in advance it wasn’t going to be any “Walk in the Park” because Peter was going to be imprisoned for leading others to Christ and would eventually die for this.]
[I also base this analysis on the following passages:]
Matthew 16:17-19 says: Jesus answered and said to him [Peter], “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”
[Jesus tells Peter that he will be the rock that Jesus’ church is built on. Some might think that since Jesus made this statement to Peter before Peter denied Him three times, it invalidates this passage. Actually, since Jesus is all-knowing and was able to predict Peter would deny Him three times, Jesus also knew this when He told Peter he would be the rock on which Jesus would build His church.]
[Additionally, in Acts 1:15-16 after Jesus’ Ascension into heaven, Peter stood up and helped the disciples focus on what needed to be done to continue to share that Jesus Christ is truly our arisen Lord and Savior. He tells them they need to decide on someone to replace Judas, who had betrayed Jesus.]
Acts 1:15-16 says: And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples (altogether the number of names was about a hundred and twenty), and said, “Men and brethren, this Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus….
This is after the disciples had received the Holy Spirit on Pentecost and talked in tongues, Acts 2:38-41 says: Then Peter said to them, “Repent and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” Then those who gladly receive his [Peter’s] word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.
Acts 3:6-9 tells how Peter did miracles in Jesus’ name: then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” And he [Peter] took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. So, he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them-walking, leaping, and praising God. [Afterward, Peter was arrested for this miracle, then he was warned not to continue to speak or teach in the name of Jesus, but that doesn’t stop him.]
Peter and other disciples are imprisoned for sharing their faith in Jesus, but are miraculously freed in Acts 5:16-20 which says: Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed. Then the high priest rose up, and all those who were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with indignation, and laid their hands on the apostles and put them in the common prison. But at night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, “Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life.” [In my opinion, I don’t think Jesus would have had the angel of the Lord free Peter and others if Jesus hadn’t forgiven him for denying Him three times.]
[Additional proof that Jesus had forgiven Peter is the vision that the Lord gave Peter to share with the disciples about teaching all peoples about Jesus, their arisen Savior, including the Gentiles and not just the Hebrews.]
Acts 10:9-15 says: The next day, as they went on their journey and drew near the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray, about the sixth hour. Then he became very hungry and wanted to eat; but while they made ready, he fell into a trance and saw heaven opened and an object like a great sheet bound at the four corners, descending to him and let down to earth. In it were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. And a voice came to him [Peter], “Rise, Peter; and eat.” But Peter said, “Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean.” And a voice spoke to him [Peter] again the second time, “What God has cleansed you must not call common.” This was done three times, And the object was taken up into heaven again. 10:33- says: “So I [Cornelius] sent to you immediately, and you [Peter] have done well to come. Now therefore, we are all present before God, to hear all the things commanded you by God.” Then Peter opened his mouth and said, “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him [Jesus] and works righteousness is accepted by Him.
Again, Peter is imprisoned and is miraculously freed in Acts 12:5-8 says: Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church. And when Herod was about to bring him out, that night Peter was sleeping, bound with two chains between two soldiers; and the guards before the door were keeping the prison. Now behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the prison; and he struck Peter on the side and raised him up, saying, “Arise quickly!” And his chains fell off his hands. Then the angel said to him, “Gird yourself and tie on your sandals”; and so he did. And he said to him, “Put on your garment and follow me.”
[My in-depth analysis shows that the Bible is very consistent about Peter denying Jesus three times around the time of a rooster crowing. There are a few minor inconsistencies that are deemed insignificant. Additionally, there is proof that Jesus had forgiven Peter for denying Him three times after Judas had betrayed him. Jesus told Peter he was the rock that Jesus was going to build His church. After Jesus had arisen and had prepared breakfast for the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, Jesus asked Peter to, “Feed My lambs, Tend My sheep, and Feed My sheep.” After Jesus’ ascension into heaven, the Book of Acts attests to Peter taking a lead with the disciples to replace Judas, Peter’s speech after the disciples had received the Holy Spirit on Pentecost with around 3,000 people becoming baptized, and Peter’s doing miracles in Jesus’ name, just to mention a few points.]
[Additionally, the Lord wouldn’t have had His angel free Peter from prison two different times, if He hadn’t forgiven Peter for denying Him. Neither would Jesus have given Peter the vision to share with His disciples that they were to share about Jesus’ life, death, and Resurrection with all people in the world, not just the Hebrews. The message from our gracious and forgiving Lord, Jesus Christ, to Peter to teach the Gentiles and everyone around the world was pretty significant!!! Until that time, it was thought that faith in Christ and salvation was only for the Hebrews, but that wasn’t the case.]
Remember John 3:16-21 where Jesus says: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”
[My advice is to follow Jesus, the Light of the World!]
