Peter’s First Denial^(A)

¹⁵ Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. Because this disciple was known to the high priest,^(B) he went with Jesus into the high priest’s courtyard,^{(C) 16} but Peter had to wait outside at the door. The other disciple, who was known to the high priest, came back, spoke to the servant girl on duty there and brought Peter in.

¹⁷ “You aren’t one of this man’s disciples too, are you?” she asked Peter.

He replied, “I am not.”^(D)

¹⁸ It was cold, and the servants and officials stood around a fire^(E) they had made to keep warm. Peter also was standing with them, warming himself.^(F)

The High Priest Questions Jesus^(G)

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

²⁰ “I have spoken openly to the world,” Jesus replied. “I always taught in synagogues^(H) or at the temple,^(I) where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret.^{(J) 21} Why question me? Ask those who heard me. Surely they know what I said.”

²² When Jesus said this, one of the officials^(K) nearby slapped him in the face.^(L) “Is this the way you answer the high priest?” he demanded.

²³ “If I said something wrong,” Jesus replied, “testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?”^{(M) 24} Then Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas^(N) the high priest.

Peter’s Second and Third Denials^(O)

²⁵ Meanwhile, Simon Peter was still standing there warming himself.^(P) So they asked him, “You aren’t one of his disciples too, are you?”

He denied it, saying, “I am not.”^(Q)

²⁶ One of the high priest’s servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off,^(R) challenged him, “Didn’t I see you with him in the garden?”^(S)

Jesus Reinstates Peter

¹⁵ When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”

“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”^(A)

Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”^(B)

¹⁶ Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”^(C)

¹⁷ The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?”^(D) He said, “Lord, you know all things;^(E) you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.^{(F) 18} Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.”