Bible Strands
Matthew 26:58
But Peter followed Him at a distance, right up to the courtyard of the high priest. And he went in and sat down with the guards to see the outcome.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The narrative places Peter following Jesus after his arrest, arriving at the high priest's courtyard while the chief priests and elders assemble to examine him.
The words — The Greek verb ἠκολούθει (ēkolouthei) means "was following," modified by μακρόθεν (makrothen), literally "from afar," indicating Peter’s cautious approach.
The thread — This pattern of guarded proximity echoes John 18:15, where Peter and another disciple follow Jesus, and contrasts with the Sanhedrin's search for testimony recorded in Matthew 26:59.
Why it lands — The text states Peter entered the courtyard and sat with the guards to observe the proceedings, which implies a tension between his desire to stay close and his fear of direct association.
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 followed him afar off unto the high priest’s palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end.
Cross-references
- John 7:32 When the Pharisees heard the crowd whispering these things about Jesus, they and the chief priests sent officers to arrest Him.
- John 18:15 Now Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he also went with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest.
- John 7:45 Then the officers returned to the chief priests and Pharisees, who asked them, “Why didn’t you bring Him in?”
- John 18:25 Simon Peter was still standing and warming himself. So they asked him, “Aren’t you also one of His disciples?” He denied it and said, “I am not.”