Matthew 26:58 — Community Reflections

MATTHEW 26:58 — KING JAMES VERSION 0

“But Peter followed him afar off unto the high priest’s palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end.”

And Peter was following him at a distance, as far as the courtyard of the high priest, and going inside he sat with the guards to see the outcome. Peter's distant following — not with Jesus but behind, at a distance — communicates the transition from the bold sword-swinger to the cautious observer. The sitting with the guards to see the outcome is the posture of the one who is both drawn toward Jesus and afraid of being identified with him.

Church Fathers on Matthew 26:58

Having commanded Peter to put up his sword, which was an instance of patience, and having (as another Evangelist writes [marg. note: Luke 22:51]) healed the ear that was cut off, which waS an instance of the greatest mercy, and of Divine power, it now follows, 'In that hour said Jesus to the multitudes, (to the end that if they could not remember His past goodness, they might at least confess His present,) Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take…
Origen · 3rd century

As much as to say, Robbers assault and study concealment; I have injured no one, but have healed many, and have ever taught in your synagogues.
Remigius · 9th century

It is folly then to seek with swords and staves Him who offers Himself to your hands, and with a traitor to hunt out, as though lurking under cover of night, one who is daily teaching in the temple.
Jerome · 4th century

Read all 17 entries in the readerCatena Aurea · St. Thomas Aquinas, tr. J. H. Newman · public domain

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

Publish a reflection on this verse

No reflections on this verse yet. Be the first to write one!