54 And having taken him, they led and brought him to the house of the chief priest. And Peter was following afar off, 55 and they having kindled a fire in the midst of the court, and having sat down together, Peter was sitting in the midst of them, 56 and a certain maid having seen him sitting at the light, and having earnestly looked at him, she said, 'And this one was with him!' 57 and he disowned him, saying, 'Woman, I have not known him.' 58 And after a little, another having seen him, said, 'And thou art of them!' and Peter said, 'Man, I am not.' 59 And one hour, as it were, having intervened, a certain other was confidently affirming, saying, 'Of a truth this one also was with him, for he is also a Galilean;' 60 and Peter said, 'Man, I have not known what thou sayest;' and presently, while he is speaking, a cock crew. 61 And the Lord having turned did look on Peter, and Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he said to him—'Before a cock shall crow, thou mayest disown me thrice;'
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.