Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 26:70

"But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest." — Matthew 26:70 (ASV)

The remark of the servant girl to Peter reflects both an accusation and her curiosity, and “Jesus of Galilee” is the kind of derogatory remark one might expect from a Jerusalemite convinced of her geographical and cultural superiority. Peter denies her words “before them all,” implying that several people were listening and that some may have joined in the questioning.