John 18:15-27

New International Reader's Version

Peter Says He Is Not Jesus’ Disciple

¹⁵ Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. The high priest knew the other disciple. So that disciple went with Jesus into the high priest’s courtyard. ¹⁶ But Peter had to wait outside by the door. The other disciple came back. He was the one the high priest knew. He spoke to the servant woman who was on duty there. Then he brought Peter in.

¹⁷ She asked Peter, “You aren’t one of Jesus’ disciples too, are you?”

“I am not,” he replied.

¹⁸ It was cold. The slaves and officials stood around a fire. They had made it to keep warm. Peter was also standing with them. He was warming himself.

The High Priest Questions Jesus

¹⁹ Meanwhile, the high priest questioned Jesus. He asked him about his disciples and his teaching.

²⁰ “I have spoken openly to the world,” Jesus replied. “I always taught in synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I didn’t say anything in secret. ²¹ Why question me? Ask the people who heard me. They certainly know what I said.”

²² When Jesus said that, one of the officials nearby slapped him in the face. “Is this any way to answer the high priest?” he asked.

²³ “Have I said something wrong?” Jesus replied. “If I have, then tell everyone what it was. But if I spoke the truth, why did you hit me?” ²⁴ Annas sent him, tied up, to Caiaphas, the high priest.

Peter Again Says He Is Not Jesus’ Disciple

²⁵ Meanwhile, Simon Peter was still standing there warming himself by the fire. So they asked him, “You aren’t one of Jesus’ disciples too, are you?”

He said, “I am not.”

²⁶ One of the high priest’s slaves was a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off. He said to Peter, “Didn’t I see you with Jesus in the garden?” ²⁷ Again Peter said no. At that exact moment a rooster began to crow.