66 And while Peter was down in the open square of the building, one of the servant-girls of the high priest came; 67 And seeing Peter warming himself by the fire, she gave him a look, and said, You were with this Nazarene, even Jesus. 68 But he said, I have no knowledge of him, or of what you are saying: and he went out into the doorway; and there came the cry of a cock. 69 And the girl saw him, and said again to those who were near, This is one of them. 70 But again he said it was not so. And after a little time, again those who were near said to Peter, Truly you are one of them; for you are a Galilaean. 71 But, with curses and oaths, he said, I have no knowledge of the man about whom you are talking. 72 And in the same minute, the cock gave a second cry. And it came to Peter's mind how Jesus had said to him, Before the cock's second cry, you will say three times that you have no knowledge of me. And at this thought he was overcome with weeping.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Mark 14:66-72
Commentary on Mark 14:66-72
(Read Mark 14:66-72)
Peter's denying Christ began by keeping at a distance from him. Those that are shy of godliness, are far in the way to deny Christ. Those who think it dangerous to be in company with Christ's disciples, because thence they may be drawn in to suffer for him, will find it much more dangerous to be in company with his enemies, because there they may be drawn in to sin against him. When Christ was admired and flocked after, Peter readily owned him; but will own no relation to him now he is deserted and despised. Yet observe, Peter's repentance was very speedy. Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall; and let him that has fallen think of these things, and of his own offences, and return to the Lord with weeping and supplication, seeking forgiveness, and to be raised up by the Holy Spirit.