Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 26:71

"And when he was gone out into the porch, another [maid] saw him, and saith unto them that were there, This man also was with Jesus of Nazareth." — Matthew 26:71 (ASV)

Peter “went out” to the gateway, apparently retiring from the brighter light of the fire into the darkness of the forecourt. There he denies another accusation, invoking a solemn curse on himself if he is lying and professing his truthfulness by appealing to something sacred .