Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Mark 14:68

"But he denied, saying, I neither know, nor understand what thou sayest: and he went out into the porch; and the cock crew." — Mark 14:68 (ASV)

While all the mockery and beating werehappening, Peter remained below in the courtyard, waiting to see what would happen to Jesus. The fact that Peter was there at all indicates that he loved Jesus and was concerned about him, but his love did not stand the test of fear. As Peter stood in the light of the fire, warming himself, a servant girl recognized him as part of a group whose leader was Jesus. Her contempt for Jesus is revealed in the order of the words she used to speak about him—“that Nazarene, Jesus.” Peter denied the charge by a denial formula common in rabbinical law. Fearful of being identified and apprehended, Peter retreated into the archway that led into the street. He was now anxious for his own safety. Yet he still could not bring himself to abandon Jesus completely.