The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 567

1mying, "Thou also wRst with Jesus the Galilaian." Here was a noble opportunity for Pder t-0 hR'"e shown zeal for the Truth suffering under insolence. But he missed it ,\Dd dis~'T!lced himself. It is a disgrace to miss an opportunity of doing right. It leads to the further disgrace or, doing wrong. (3) "He denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest. The strong man is thrown over by the breath of a maid. "A damsel," literally, one damsil. And probably wishing him no harm. But how great was the sin which sprang from so slight a cause I The publicity of this denia.l was an ~ggraVRtion of the sin. (4) The temptation was slight so far as the girl's question went, but greater in regard t-0 the bystanders. We all wield unconscious iufluence. 'l'hey probably had no desire to imperil Peter. The careless ones of this world often do more harm or good to the saints than they imagine. 2. The progress of sin is acrelerating. (I) In the first instance, we find Peter giving the simple emphatic denial, his words being equivalent to "What thou sayest is utterly false" (cf. Lnke xxii. 57). In how few words may one commit a grievous sin (see eh. xii. 24; Acts v. 8) ! Peter now went into the porch, or portico (ver. 71), doubtless to secure himself from further observation, being now also ashamed of his weakness, if not of his sin. For the enormity of sin is hidden from the conscience by fear and carnal policy. No man gains strength to resist greater by complying with lesser evils. (2) In the _second insta_nce, Pct~r added an oath to his denial. 'l'he damsel's pride being now stirred by ha,.mg the he turned upon her, she appears to have confided her morti- fication or indignatiun to "another maid," with whom she followed Peter into the portico; In his hearing this second maid said, "This man also was with Jesus of Nazareth,• upon which a man of the company laid the accusation directly against him (cf. Mark xiv. 69; Luke xxii. 58). "And again he denied with an oath, I know not the Man." The liar, by the suspicion he naturally bas, having forfeited his self- respect, that his testimony is not credited, is induced to swear. (3) In the third instance, Peter added cursing to swearing. Probably he had been addicted to swearing before he came under the influence of John the Baptist and of Christ. Old habits are readily revived. Between the second and third temptations an hour elapsed. Bui time spent without prayer brings no strength to the soul. The charge is now brought. close home to him. It is generally preferred by "those that stood by," who marked bis Galillll&Il accent. The rabbins say that the speech of the Galilreans was broad and rustic. Some say it inclined to the Samaritan and Syriac, and that they did not prp- nounce gutturals well, and changed sh into th. Better would it have been for Peter had he held his tongue. But the kinsman of Malchus increased his terror by calling to his remembrance his act in cutting off the ear (see John xviii. 26). His denial, therefore, becomes more vebemeut as the accusation proceeds. To curse is to imprecate Divine vengeance on himself if he spoke falsely, and the profanity of swearing added to this cursing is the language of passion and of the enemies of Christ. "None bui the devil's sayings need the devil's proofs" (Henry). (4) An apostle fallen I How great that fall! Lucifer in hell! In the fall of Peter we are admitted to a view of our own tendency to fall, and consequent need of watchfulness and prayer. IIL THAT THE SEQUEL IB DESTRUCTION OR REPENTANCE. 1. ln the case of Judaa it was destruction (see succeeding homily). 2. In the case of Peter it waa repentam:e. (1) When he had the third time denied his Lord, "straightway the cock crew." During the long hours in which he waited in the palace, his memory and conscience slept until startled by "the cock's shrill clarion." 'l'he words of Christ now rushed into his mind and pierced his heart, and made the crowing of the cock a very John the Baptist to the sinner. Note: The mercy of Christ comes sometimes at the cock- crowing. Since Peter fell through fear of a maid, let us never think contemptibly of the feeblest tempter. Since he rose through the crowing of a cock, let us never think contemptibly of the humblest means of grace. (2) When the cock crew," the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter" (see Luke xxii. 61). Note here the kindness of Christ.. Being in bonds, he could not, without a miracle, have gone to speak with Peter. Had be celled to him, the disciple would have been discovered to the malice of his tempters. The glance it! sufficient. Peter's denial comes in as a part of Christ's sufferings. Nothing more deeply grieves a genuine penitent than the reflection that he has grieved b_i.s Lord. (3) Peter "went out," viz. from the scene of his temptation and humilia- tion, deeply aorrowing that he had ever entered into it, and that he might "mouri1 OH. xxv1. 1-76.] TIIE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. MATTHEW. 5'i3