Matthew 26:31-35
Luke 22:31-38
31-34. Simon, Simon—(See on Lu 10:41).
desired to have —rather, "hath obtained you," properly "asked and obtained"; alluding to Job (Job 1:6-12; 2:1-6), whom he solicited and obtained that he might sift him as wheat, insinuating as "the accuser of the brethren" (Re 12:10), that he would find chaff enough in his religion, if indeed there was any wheat at all. you—not Peter only, but them all.32. But I have prayed—have been doing it already.
for thee—as most in danger. (See on Lu 22:61, 62.) fail not—that is, entirely; for partially it did fail. converted—brought back afresh as a penitent disciple. strengthen, &c.—that is, make use of thy bitter experience for the fortifying of thy tempted brethren.33. I am ready, &c.—honest-hearted, warmly-attached disciple, thinking thy present feelings immovable as a rock, thou shalt find them in the hour of temptation unstable as water: "I have been praying for thee," therefore thy faith shall not perish; but thinking this superfluous, thou shalt find that "he that trusteth in his own heart is a fool" (Pr 28:26).
34. cock . . . crow—"twice" (Mr 14:30).
35-38. But now—that you are going forth not as before on a temporary mission, provided for without purse or scrip, but into scenes of continued and severe trial, your methods must be different; for purse and scrip will now be needed for support, and the usual means of defense.
37. the things concerning me—decreed and written.
have an end—are rapidly drawing to a close.38. two swords . . . enough—they thinking He referred to present defense, while His answer showed He meant something else.
Lu 22:39-46. AGONY IN THE GARDEN.
John 13:36-38
36-38. Peter said—seeing plainly in these directions how to behave themselves, that He was indeed going from them.
Lord, whither guest thou?—having hardly a glimmer of the real truth. Jesus answered, . . . thou canst not follow me now, but thou shalt follow me afterwards—How different from what He said to the Jews: "Whither I go ye cannot come" (Joh 8:21).37. why not . . . now? I will lay down my life for thy sake—He seems now to see that it was death Christ referred to as what would sever Him from them, but is not staggered at following Him thither. Jesus answered,
38. Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake?—In this repetition of Peter's words there is deep though affectionate irony, and this Peter himself would feel for many a day after his recovery, as he retraced the painful particulars.
Verily . . . The cock, &c.—See on Lu 22:31-34.