Bible Strands
John 18:16
But Peter stood outside at the door. Then the disciple who was known to the high priest went out and spoke to the doorkeeper, and brought Peter in.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Peter remains outside the courtyard entrance while the unnamed disciple, recognized by the high priest, exits to speak with the doorkeeper and bring him inside. This occurs immediately after the pair enters the high priest's courtyard following Jesus' arrest.
The words — The Greek εἱστήκει (heistēkei) literally means "had stood," indicating a completed state of remaining in place. The phrase πρὸς τῇ θύρᾳ (pros tē thura) literally places him "at the door," marking the physical boundary between the outside and the inner courtyard.
The thread — This moment parallels the denial narratives in Matthew 26:69, Mark 14:66, and Luke 22:55, where Peter's location in the courtyard becomes the stage for his threefold rejection of Jesus. Each account tracks his movement from the entrance toward the inner courtyard as the interrogation begins.
Why it lands — The text requires the reader to observe how physical proximity to Jesus does not guarantee protection from denial. It demands recognition that human reliance on social connections or strategic positioning cannot secure faithfulness under pressure.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
But Peter stood at the door without. Then went out that other disciple, which was known unto the high priest, and spake unto her that kept the door, and brought in Peter.
Cross-references
- Matthew 26:69 Meanwhile, Peter was sitting out in the courtyard, and a servant girl came up to him. “You also were with Jesus the Galilean,” she said.
- Mark 14:66 While Peter was in the courtyard below, one of the servant girls of the high priest came down
- Luke 22:55 When those present had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat down among them.