Mat 26:70, 74 | Barnes | STEP | Verse 70. But he denied before them all , etc. He denied that he was a disciple; he denied that he knew Jesus; he denied (Mark) that he understood what was meant---i. e., he did not see any reason why this question was asked. All this was palpable falsehood; and Peter must have known that it was such. This is remarkable, because Peter had just before been so confident. It is more remarkable, because the edge of the charge was taken off by the insinuation that John was known to be a disciple--thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee.

Matthew 26:70

Verse 70. But he denied before them all, etc. He denied that he was a disciple; he denied that he knew Jesus; he denied (Mark) that he understood what was meant---i. e., he did not see any reason why this question was asked. All this was palpable falsehood; and Peter must have known that it was such. This is remarkable, because Peter had just before been so confident. It is more remarkable, because the edge of the charge was taken off by the insinuation that John was known to be a disciple--thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee.

Matthew 26:74

Verse 74. Then began he to curse, etc. Peter was now irritated beyond endurance. He could no longer resist the evidence that he was known. It had been repeatedly charged on him. His language had betrayed him, and there was a positive witness who had seen him. He felt it necessary, therefore, to be still more decided; and he accordingly added to the sin of denying his Lord, the deep aggravation of profane cursing and swearing; affirming, what he must have known was false, that he knew not the man. Immediately then the cock crew; that is, the second crowing, or not far from three in the morning.