Although all shall be offended, yet will not I.
Peter’s aim was a threefold one
It consisted in-
1. His vehement contradiction of the words of Christ.
2. His preferring himself to and putting himself above the rest of the apostles.
3. His self-confidence and boastfulness of his own strength. The remedy against temptation is such a knowledge of our own natural weakness, as may lead us to distrust ourselves, to rely on God, and to seek His protection in all things. (W. Denton, M. A.)
Peter’s rash zeal
Peter’s action in this instance was at the same time commendable for some things and faulty for others.
I. Commendable in the following particulars.
1. His purpose and resolution of mind, not to take offence at Christ, which purpose and resolution he professes sincerely and from his heart, speaking as he really thought.
2. It is also commendable in him, that he was so zealous and forward above the other disciples to show his love to Christ
II. Yet he was at fault in being so confident.
1. In that he directly contradicts the express words of Christ, whereby He had plainly told him and the rest, that they should all be offended at Him.
2. In presuming rashly and confidently upon his own strength or ability to hold out constantly, and to stick close to the Saviour in the time of trouble and danger now at hand.
3. In arrogantly preferring himself to his fellow disciples, affirming that though all should be offended, yet he would not. (George Petter.)
Enthusiasm
Enthusiasm is the glow of the soul; it is the lever by which men are raised above their average level and enterprise, and become capable of a goodness and benevolence which, but for it, would be quite impossible. There is not too much enthusiasm of any sort or for any object, in a world like ours, and Christians had better not join in sneering at a force, which, in its purest form, founded and reared the Church of Jesus Christ. True, enthusiasm often loses its way, spends itself on mistaken causes, on imperfect systems, on worthless ideals, but that is no reason for saying that all enthusiasm is bad. Mistaken enthusiasm, like Peter’s, will in time be rudely tested by experience; and meanwhile those who have any reason to hope that their enthusiasm is not mistaken, can afford to be generous and hopeful about others. He that is not against us is, unconsciously perhaps, on our side. (Canon Liddon.)
Peter’s rashness
Here we have an instance (as many elsewhere) of Peter’s temerity and rashness, not well considering his weakness, and what spirit he was of. He betrays great infirmity, arrogating much more than was in him.
1. He directly contradicts his Lord, who said, “All ye;” Peter says, “No, not all”-he will not; not this night-no, never.
2. He believes not the oracle of the prophet Zechariah (Zechariah 13:7), but would shift it off with pomp of words, as not concerning him; he was not one of the sheep that should be scattered, though the Pastor was smitten.
3. He presumes too much upon his own strength, and of that which is out of his own power, never mentioning or including the help and strength of God, by whom alone he could stand. He neither considers his own frailty, which will overthrow him, nor yet the power of God, which can sustain and uphold him.
4. He sets himself too much above other men; as if all men were weak in comparison with Peter, and Peter the champion.
5. He is bold, hardy, and vainly confident in a thing yet to come, in which he has never tried his strength. Knowing his present affection, he will take no notice of his future peril; nay, he disclaims and almost scorns the danger, little thinking how close it is to him. (Dr. Thomas Taylor.)
Self-deception
Louis XV, in his disgusting depravity, exposed himself to the smallpox, then the dread of all society. Though flattered for a time into the belief that there was no danger, he was at length undeceived; but, owing to the prevalence of court intrigue, the information was only conveyed to him at the latest possible moment. He caused his guilty companions to be sent away, telling them that he would recall them should he recover from his disorder. Just before dismissing one of the most degraded among them, he said: “I would fain die as a believer, and not as an infidel. I have been a great sinner, doubtless; but I have ever observed Lent with a most scrupulous exactitude; I have caused more than a hundred thousand masses to be said for the repose of unhappy souls; I have respected the clergy, and punished the authors of all impious works; so that I flatter myself I have not been a very bad Christian.”
Extreme self-dependence
There is a famous speech recorded of an old Norseman thoroughly characteristic of the Teuton. “I believe neither in idols nor demons,” said he; “I put my sole trust in my own strength of body and soul.” (S. Smiles.)
Danger of presumption
A scientific gentleman, deputed by the Government, was, not many years ago, examining the scene of a fatal explosion. He was accompanied by the underviewer of the colliery, and as they were inspecting the edges of a goaf (a region of foul air), it was observed that the “Davy” lamps which they carried were afire. “I suppose,” said the inspector, that there is a good deal of fire damp hereabouts. “Thousands and thousands of cubic feet all through the goaf,” coolly replied his companion. “Why,” exclaimed the official, “do you mean to say that there is nothing but that shred of wire gauze between us and eternity?” “Nothing at all,” replied the underviewer, very composedly. “There’s nothing here where we stand but that gauze wire to keep the whole mine from being blown into the air.” The precipitate retreat of the Government official was instantaneous. And thus it should be with the sinner: his retreat from the ways of sin-those “goafs” of poisonous air-should be instantaneous. Sir Humphrey Davy’s lamp was never designed, as a substitute for caution if accidentally or unknowingly carried into foul air, whereas many do so knowingly and habitually.