71 He began to call down curses, and he swore to them, "I don't know this man you're talking about."
71 But he began to curse and to swear, saying, I know not this man of whom ye speak.
71 But he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, "I do not know this man of whom you speak."
71 Now Peter got really nervous and swore, "I never laid eyes on this man you're talking about."
71 Then he began to curse and swear, "I do not know this Man of whom you speak!"
71 Peter swore, "A curse on me if I'm lying-I don't know this man you're talking about!"
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Mark 14:71
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.