John 18:15-17 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Simon Peter followed See note on Matthew 26:58; Luke 22:54-62; and so did another disciple Generally supposed to have been John himself, it being the manner of this evangelist to speak of himself in the third person. Grotius however, is of opinion, that the disciple intended was not one of the twelve, but rather an inhabitant of Jerusalem; possibly, the person at whose house our Lord ate the passover. Whitby likewise thinks it was not John. “These authors found their opinion on this circumstance, that the twelve being Galileans, and men of mean station, could not any of them be so well acquainted in the high-priest's family, as to procure admission for a friend at a time when there was so much ado there. Nevertheless the common opinion may still be adhered to. For though John was a Galilean, and a person in a mean station, there is neither impossibility nor improbability in the notion, that he might have had a relation, friend, or acquaintance in the station of a servant at the high- priest's, who might not only give him admittance, but, at his desire, admit Peter also. Further, when we consider that John was to write a history of Christ's life, it will appear extremely proper that, in the course of providence, he should have an opportunity afforded him of being an eye- witness of our Lord's trial before the council.” Macknight. That disciple was known unto the high-priest, and therefore was admitted into the palace, without any objection or impediment. But Peter stood at the door without Having no interest or acquaintance in the high-priest's house. Then went out that other disciple Namely, out of the inner room, into which Jesus had been carried in order to his examination; and spake unto her that kept the door Desiring her to open it, and admit Peter, whom he brought in. Then saith the damsel unto Peter, Art not thou also As well as the other; one of this man's disciples Of Peter's sundry denials of Christ, and of the manner in which the accounts given thereof by the different evangelists may be reconciled, see the notes on Matthew 26:69-75; Mark 14:66-72; Luke 22:54-62.