Matthew Henry Commentary Luke 22:54-62

"And they seized him, and led him [away], and brought him into the high priest`s house. But Peter followed afar off. And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the court, and had sat down together, Peter sat in the midst of them. And a certain maid seeing him as he sat in the light [of the fire], and looking stedfastly upon him, said, This man also was with him. But he denied, saying, Woman, I know him not. And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou also art [one] of them. But Peter said, Man, I am not. And after the space of about one hour another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this man also was with him; for he is a Galilaean. But Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew. And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how that he said unto him, Before the cock crow this day thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly." — Luke 22:54-62 (ASV)

Peter's fall was his denying that he knew Christ, and was his disciple; disowning him because of distress and danger. He who has once told a lie is strongly tempted to persist: the beginning of that sin, like strife, is as the letting forth of water. The Lord turned and looked upon Peter.

1. It was a convincing look. Jesus turned and looked upon him, as if he would say, Do you not know me, Peter?
2. It was a chiding look. Let us think with what a rebuking countenance Christ may justly look upon us when we have sinned.
3. It was an expostulating look. You who were the most forward to confess me to be the Son of God, and solemnly promised you would never disown me!
4. It was a compassionate look. Peter, how you are fallen and undone if I do not help you!
5. It was a directing look, to go and reflect.
6. It was a significant look; it signified the conveying of grace to Peter's heart, to enable him to repent.

The grace of God works in and by the word of God, brings that to mind, and impresses that upon the conscience, and so gives the soul the happy turn. Christ looked upon the chief priests, and made no impression upon them as he did on Peter. It was not the mere look from Christ, but the Divine grace with it, that restored Peter.