Matthew 26 58

Matthew 26:58 kjv

But Peter followed him afar off unto the high priest's palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end.

Matthew 26:58 nkjv

But Peter followed Him at a distance to the high priest's courtyard. And he went in and sat with the servants to see the end.

Matthew 26:58 niv

But Peter followed him at a distance, right up to the courtyard of the high priest. He entered and sat down with the guards to see the outcome.

Matthew 26:58 esv

And Peter was following him at a distance, as far as the courtyard of the high priest, and going inside he sat with the guards to see the end.

Matthew 26:58 nlt

Meanwhile, Peter followed him at a distance and came to the high priest's courtyard. He went in and sat with the guards and waited to see how it would all end.

Matthew 26 verses

Matthew 26 58 Meaning

This verse describes Simon Peter's immediate action after Jesus' arrest. Despite his prior bold declarations of loyalty, Peter follows Jesus, but he does so from a significant distance. His trajectory leads him to the high priest's courtyard, a central and dangerous location. Once inside, he settles among the attendants and guards, indicating an attempt to blend in and observe the unfolding events regarding Jesus' fate, driven by a mixture of lingering curiosity and fear.

Matthew 26 58 Context

This verse occurs immediately following Jesus' arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane. Judas has just betrayed Jesus with a kiss, and the temple guards along with Roman soldiers have seized Him. All the disciples have forsaken Jesus and fled, as Jesus himself had prophesied. Matthew 26:58 highlights Peter as the lone exception who, instead of completely abandoning Jesus, maintains a partial, cautious, and fear-driven proximity. This action sets the stage directly for Peter's threefold denial of Jesus later in the high priest's courtyard, fulfilling Jesus' earlier prophecy concerning Peter (Mt 26:31-35). The scene unfolds during the night trial of Jesus before the Sanhedrin, presided over by Caiaphas. The cultural context involves Jewish legal procedures and the atmosphere of suspicion and hostility towards Jesus.

Matthew 26 58 Word analysis

• But (δέ - de): A strong adversative conjunction, indicating a contrast. It highlights Peter's differing action compared to the other disciples who "all left him and fled" (Mt 26:56). This sets Peter apart, though not necessarily in a positive light yet.
• Peter (Πέτρος - Petros): The same Simon whom Jesus renamed "Rock." His actions here demonstrate the struggle between his zealous personality and his human weakness, failing to live up to the spiritual fortitude his new name signifies at this moment.
• followed (ἠκολούθει - ēkolouthei): Imperfect tense of akoloutheō. It indicates a continuous action in the past, implying persistent, albeit hesitant, following. This is not the full, committed "following" Jesus commanded of his disciples (Mk 1:17; Lk 9:23) but a reluctant observation.
• him (αὐτόν - auton): Referring to Jesus. Peter is still directed towards Jesus, despite his fear.
• at a distance (ἀπὸ μακρόθεν - apo makrothen): "From afar." This crucial phrase encapsulates Peter's spiritual state. It signifies a lack of commitment, a separation born of fear and self-preservation. True discipleship calls for unwavering proximity and identification with Christ, especially in suffering (Phil 3:10; 1 Pet 4:13).
• as far as (ἕως - heōs): "Until," "up to." Indicates a limit or a destination. Peter's following stops at this critical boundary, signifying a transition point in his allegiance.
• the courtyard (τὴν αὐλὴν - tēn aulēn): The central open area or inner court of a house, surrounded by rooms. For a large dwelling like the high priest's, it was likely an exposed, public, yet guarded space where activity took place. This is where Peter would face immediate temptation.
• of the high priest (τοῦ ἀρχιερέως - tou archiereōs): Specifically Caiaphas, whose residence served as the initial place of Jesus' night trial (Jn 18:13). This location is the heart of hostile power against Jesus.
• and going inside (καὶ εἰσελθὼν - kai eiselthōn): Aorist participle, denoting a distinct, completed action of entering. He didn't just linger outside; he intentionally penetrated the dangerous space.
• he sat (ἐκάθητο - ekathēto): Imperfect tense of kathēmai, indicating he settled down, was seated, or remained sitting. This suggests an attempt to become inconspicuous, to blend in, or perhaps to simply rest while waiting. It marks a static position of observation.
• with the guards (μετὰ τῶν ὑπηρετῶν - meta tōn hypēretōn): "With the attendants/servants/officials." These were temple police or Caiaphas's household staff, typically hostile towards Jesus. Sitting with them implies a degree of fellowship or attempt at camouflage that would soon prove disastrous for Peter's integrity (1 Cor 15:33).
• to see (ἰδεῖν - idein): Infinitive, expressing purpose. Peter's aim was observation. This is a desire to witness rather than participate in loyalty or intervention.
• the end (τὸ τέλος - to telos): "The end," "the outcome," "the final result." Peter wanted to observe how Jesus' situation would conclude. This could be motivated by curiosity, lingering concern, or even a morbid fascination. It does not suggest a robust, active faith in Jesus' divine mission or triumph, but rather a passive anticipation of Jesus' earthly fate.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "But Peter followed him at a distance": This phrase sets up a paradox. Peter is following Jesus, but the critical "at a distance" reveals his underlying fear and hesitation, a stark contrast to his earlier courageous pledge to die with Jesus (Mt 26:35). It indicates a wavering commitment rather than bold discipleship.
• "as far as the courtyard of the high priest": The high priest's courtyard is a highly charged and dangerous environment for a follower of Jesus. Peter's presence there, despite his distance, puts him in direct proximity to the source of opposition, highlighting his predicament and eventual failure.
• "and going inside he sat with the guards": Entering the courtyard and sitting with the guards demonstrates Peter's attempt to immerse himself in the environment without being identified as a disciple. This action is critical because sitting "with the guards" – who are antagonists of Jesus – exposes him to their influence and suspicion, directly preceding his denials. It suggests an unholy alliance, however temporary.
• "to see the end": Peter's motivation is observational. He isn't there to intervene, help, or proclaim loyalty, but merely to ascertain the outcome. This passive posture reveals his fear and lack of decisive faith in the face of immense pressure. His curiosity overshadows courage.

Matthew 26 58 Bonus section

This verse subtly introduces the theme of Peter's fall, a moment of profound personal failure that contrasts sharply with his eventual restoration and leadership in the early church. It emphasizes the deep human capacity for fear and self-preservation, even when loyalty has been declared. Peter's position "at a distance" while Jesus stands condemned highlights the isolation of Jesus in His suffering, even from His closest disciples. It also serves as a crucial theological setup for demonstrating God's grace and restoration, as Peter's journey from this fearful denial to courageous proclamation (Acts 2:14ff) underscores the transformative power of the resurrected Christ. The details of Peter trying to "blend in" with the adversaries foreshadow the extent to which fear can lead one to compromise identity and conviction.

Matthew 26 58 Commentary

Matthew 26:58 offers a poignant glimpse into the human weakness that can afflict even the most zealous followers of Christ. Peter, after bravely drawing a sword and previously vowing never to deny Jesus, retreats into a state of cautious observation. His decision to follow Jesus "at a distance" is an expression of deep fear, directly contrasting the intimate, sacrificial "following" that Christ demands of His disciples (Lk 9:23). He enters the heart of enemy territory—the high priest's courtyard—not out of boldness, but out of a desperate desire to witness the outcome, reflecting a wavering faith seeking proof rather than trusting submission. His action of "sitting with the guards" places him squarely among those hostile to Jesus, physically near but spiritually far, creating the perilous context for his subsequent threefold denial. This verse powerfully illustrates the peril of partial commitment and fear-driven compromises in discipleship.