Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 26:58

"But Peter followed him afar off, unto the court of the high priest, and entered in, and sat with the officers, to see the end." — Matthew 26:58 (ASV)

Well-to-do homes were often built in a square shape with an open, central courtyard. If Annas (cf. comment on v.3) lived in rooms on one wing of the court, then it is possible that he interviewed Jesus in one wing while the Sanhedrin was assembling in another. Not much time would be required.

Peter followed Jesus “at a distance,” midway between courage (v.51) and cowardice (v.70). He joined the servants and temple police around the courtyard fire.