And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest's, and smote off his ear.
Ver. 51. One of them which were with Jesus] This was Peter, who asked leave to strike, but stayed not till he had it, out of a preposterous zeal to his Master, and because he would be a man of his word. A wonderful work of God it was surely, that hereupon he was not hewn in a hundred pieces by the barbarous soldiers. Well might the Psalmist say, "He that is our God is the God of salvation; and unto God the Lord belong the issues from death," Psalms 68:20; "My times are in thine hand," Psalms 31:15. But this stout swordsman could not be found, when his Master was, after this, apprehended and arraigned. Plato hath observed, Peritissimi lanistae in ludo, sunt inertissimi in belle, the most skilful fencers are the most cowardly soldiers.