Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 18:17

"The maid therefore that kept the door saith unto Peter, Art thou also [one] of this man`s disciples? He saith, I am not." — John 18:17 (ASV)

Apparently Peter’s first statement of denial accompanied his admittance to the courtyard; the last occurred somewhat later, perhaps just as Jesus was about to be taken to the council chamber. While there are minor differences in all four accounts of the denial (Mark 14:66–72), in general they agree. The first denial was a reply to a question asked by the girl who tended the gate and granted access to Peter and the other disciple. She recognized both the unnamed disciple and Peter as followers of Jesus.