Luke 22 55

Luke 22:55 kjv

And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them.

Luke 22:55 nkjv

Now when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat among them.

Luke 22:55 niv

And when some there had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them.

Luke 22:55 esv

And when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat down among them.

Luke 22:55 nlt

The guards lit a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat around it, and Peter joined them there.

Luke 22 verses

Luke 22 55 Meaning

Luke 22:55 describes the scene immediately following Jesus' arrest, focusing on Peter's actions. It portrays Peter moving closer to the heart of the activity involving Jesus' adversaries. He joins them around a fire in the high priest's courtyard, establishing a physical proximity that sets the stage for his impending denial of Christ. This seemingly innocuous act of seeking warmth places him in a compromising position, surrounded by those hostile to Jesus.

Luke 22 55 Context

Luke 22:55 is situated within the narrative of Jesus' passion, immediately following His arrest in Gethsemane (Lk 22:47-53) and His being led to the high priest's house (Lk 22:54). The broader context of chapter 22 includes the Passover preparations, the institution of the Last Supper, Jesus' discourse on His impending betrayal and suffering, Peter's boasts of loyalty, and Jesus' prediction of Peter's denial. After being taken, Jesus is now subjected to illegal interrogation. Peter's action of sitting among the guards is a direct consequence of his earlier "following at a distance" (Lk 22:54) and serves as the immediate prelude to his three denials, beginning in verse 56. The night was cold, contributing to the pragmatic need for warmth, yet this practical act had profound spiritual implications, drawing Peter into a dangerous environment.

Luke 22 55 Word analysis

• When they had kindled: (Gr. hapswantes, ἁψάντων, from haptō) Implies initiating or igniting. The action of starting the fire is by "them," indicating the general group of guards or servants.
• a fire: (Gr. pyr, πῦρ) Literal fire for warmth. Symbolically, fire can represent comfort, fellowship, but also testing or judgment. In this context, it is a point of gathering, but also of spiritual exposure for Peter.
• in the middle: (Gr. mesō, μέσῳ) Denotes the center or midst. Not on the periphery but directly amidst the gathering. This implies Peter's prominent, though perhaps unintended, position within the adversarial group.
• of the courtyard: (Gr. aulē, αὐλῇ) Refers to the open-air central court of a house, specifically the high priest's residence. This was a place of considerable authority and judicial proceedings, where Jesus himself was likely being held or tried within the inner chambers. It was a space belonging to His accusers.
• and had sat down together: (Gr. synephlegomai, συνέπλαγος) The verb implies both "to warm oneself at a fire" and "to associate with, to join in company." It signifies Peter joining this specific group around the fire for warmth, indicating a degree of mingling or becoming one with them in their immediate activity.
• Peter: (Gr. Petros, Πέτρος) The specific identification highlights the shift from a general description of people warming themselves to focusing on a key disciple, linking his actions directly to the scene. This is the Peter who vowed loyalty.
• sat down among them: (Gr. kathetzo en mesō autōn, καθέζω ἐν μέσῳ αὐτῶν) A distinct verb of sitting, emphasizing a deliberate posture of rest and belonging. "Among them" explicitly reinforces Peter's physical integration into the group, highlighting his chosen presence in their company, making him visible and identifiable to those who would soon question him. This indicates a proximity beyond mere observation.

Words-group analysis:

• "When they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard": This phrase sets the practical, physical scene. It explains why people gathered—for warmth in a cold night. The "middle of the courtyard" suggests a central, unhidden spot, meaning anyone gathered there would be clearly visible.
• "and had sat down together, Peter sat down among them": This highlights a progression. "They" sat down first, creating a social space around the fire. Then, Peter deliberately joins this specific group. The repetition of "sat down" emphasizes Peter's intentional act of joining their company, aligning himself physically, even if not yet emotionally or spiritually, with those who opposed Jesus. His decision to sit "among them" is crucial, making him vulnerable to recognition and the subsequent tests.

Luke 22 55 Bonus section

The charcoal fire is a significant motif: Peter warms himself by a charcoal fire when he denies Jesus (Jn 18:18). Later, after the resurrection, Jesus restores Peter by a charcoal fire (Jn 21:9). This parallel imagery in John’s Gospel subtly links Peter’s fall and his subsequent restoration, emphasizing Jesus’ redemptive grace for the repentant disciple. The choice to sit and associate with Jesus' enemies indicates Peter's human weakness and a fear of association with the arrested Christ. It foreshadows the temptation of wanting to remain anonymous or blend in to avoid persecution. This verse contrasts sharply with Jesus' courageous and isolated endurance during His trial.

Luke 22 55 Commentary

Luke 22:55 is a brief yet potent verse that serves as a pivotal moment leading to Peter's denial. It depicts Peter seeking warmth and companionship around a fire, placing himself directly amidst the guards and servants who were aligned against Jesus. This seemingly innocuous act highlights the subtle yet profound temptations faced by even committed followers. Peter, driven by cold and perhaps a desire to be near the situation, crossed a line from "following afar" to physically integrating with the opposition. His physical comfort compromised his spiritual standing, illustrating how ordinary needs can lead to extraordinary spiritual vulnerability. It sets the scene for Peter to be recognized and confronted, making his denials not an abstract possibility but an almost inevitable consequence of his chosen environment. The verse offers a powerful reminder of the insidious nature of worldly influence and the importance of discernment in association, particularly in times of spiritual pressure.