54 And they made him a prisoner and took him away to the house of the high priest. But Peter went after them at a distance. 55 And a fire was lighted in the middle of the open square, and they were seated together, and Peter was among them. 56 And a certain woman-servant, seeing him in the light of the fire, and looking at him with attention, said, This man was with him. 57 But he said, Woman, it is not true; I have no knowledge of him. 58 And after a little time, another saw him and said, You are one of them; and he said, Man, I am not. 59 And after about an hour, another man said, with decision, Certainly this man was with him, for he is a Galilaean. 60 And Peter said, Man, I have no knowledge of these things of which you are talking. And straight away, while he was saying these words, there came the cry of a cock. 61 And the Lord, turning, gave Peter a look. And the words of the Lord came to Peter's mind, how he had said, This night, before the hour of the cock's cry, you will be false to me three times.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Luke 22:54-61
Commentary on Luke 22:54-62
(Read Luke 22:54-62)
Peter's fall was his denying that he knew Christ, and was his disciple; disowning him because of distress and danger. He that has once told a lie, is strongly tempted to persist: the beginning of that sin, like strife, is as the letting forth of water. The Lord turned and looked upon Peter. 1. It was a convincing look. Jesus turned and looked upon him, as if he should say, Dost thou not know me, Peter? 2. It was a chiding look. Let us think with what a rebuking countenance Christ may justly look upon us when we have sinned. 3. It was an expostulating look. Thou who wast the most forward to confess me to be the Son of God, and didst solemnly promise thou wouldest never disown me! 4. It was a compassionate look. Peter, how art thou fallen and undone if I do not help thee! 5. It was a directing look, to go and bethink himself. 6. It was a significant look; it signified the conveying of grace to Peter's heart, to enable him to repent. The grace of God works in and by the word of God, brings that to mind, and sets that home upon the conscience, and so gives the soul the happy turn. Christ looked upon the chief priests, and made no impression upon them as he did on Peter. It was not the mere look from Christ, but the Divine grace with it, that restored Peter.