John Calvin Commentary Matthew 26:51

"And behold, one of them that were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and smote the servant of the high priest, and struck off his ear." — Matthew 26:51 (ASV)

And look, one of those who were with Jesus.

Luke says that all the disciples made an agreement together to fight for their Master. From this it is again evident that we are much more courageous and ready for fighting than for bearing the cross. Therefore, we ought always to deliberate wisely what the Lord commands and what He requires from each of us, so that the fervor of our zeal does not exceed the bounds of reason and moderation.

When the disciples asked Christ, Shall we strike with the sword? they did so, not with the intention of obeying His instruction, but by these words they declared that they were prepared and ready to repel the violence of enemies. And indeed, Peter did not wait until he was commanded or permitted to strike, but thoughtlessly proceeded to unlawful violence.

It appears, at first view, to be praiseworthy valor in the disciples that, forgetting their own weakness, though they were unable to make resistance, they did not hesitate to present their bodies before their Master and to encounter certain death. For they chose rather to perish with the Lord than to survive and look on while He was oppressed.

But as they wrongly attempt more than the calling of God commands or permits, their rashness is justly condemned. Therefore, let us learn that for our obedience to be acceptable to the Lord, we must depend on His will, so that no one shall move a finger except as far as God commands.

One reason, above all, ought to lead us to be zealous in cultivating this modesty: instead of a proper and well-regulated zeal, confused irregularity usually reigns in us.

Peter’s name is not mentioned here by the Evangelists, but John 18:10 assures us—and from what occurs shortly afterwards in the narrative it is evident—that it was Peter who is here described, though his name is suppressed. Yet Luke enables us easily to infer that there were others also who took part in the same outrage, for Christ does not speak to one person only, but says to all alike, Permit²¹⁷ it to be thus far.

²¹⁷ Our Author’s argument is obviously founded on the circumstance, that the verb ἐα̑τε, , permit, is in the plural number. — is in the plural number. — Ed.