New Testament · Gospel

Matthew 26:71

The Last Supper

When Peter had gone out to the gateway, another servant girl saw him and said to the people there, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.” Matthew 26:71 · Berean Standard Bible
What It Means

Matthew 26:71, in plain English

Peter moves toward the exit, but another servant girl sees him and tells the people nearby: this man was with Jesus of Nazareth.

Why it's here

Peter tries to put physical distance between himself and the accusation, but it follows him. You cannot outrun the truth.

Who's speaking

A second servant girl identifies Peter to the bystanders.

Where it sits in the story

He is trying to quietly slip away, but the accusation keeps finding him. The spotlight he is running from will not turn off.

A Closer Look

The scholarly reading

Peter retreats to the gateway (pylon), but another servant girl identifies him to bystanders as having been with 'Jesus of Nazareth,' escalating the public exposure.

Language and setting

Peter's physical retreat to the gateway symbolizes his spiritual retreat from commitment. Each denial pushes him further from Jesus — physically and spiritually.

Voice

A second servant girl identifies Peter to those nearby.

Significance

Peter tries to escape by moving away, but the accusation follows him — distance from Jesus provides no refuge from the truth.

In context

Matthew 26:69–73

69Meanwhile, Peter was sitting out in the courtyard, and a servant girl came up to him. “You also were with Jesus the Galilean,” she said.

70But he denied it before them all: “I do not know what you are talking about.”

71When Peter had gone out to the gateway, another servant girl saw him and said to the people there, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.”

72And again he denied it with an oath: “I do not know the man!”

73After a little while, those standing nearby came up to Peter. “Surely you are one of them,” they said, “for your accent gives you away.”

Read all of Matthew 26 — Bread broken. Wine poured. A betrayal predicted. The longest night in history begins around a table.

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