Matthew 26:74 - Exposition

To curse and to swear. Peter fortifies this, his third denial, by imprecating curses on himself ( καταθεματι ì ζειν ) if he spake not the truth, and again ( Matthew 26:72 ) confirming his assertion by a solemn oath. There is a certain gradation in his denials: he first simply asserts; he then asserts with an oath; lastly, he adds curses to his oath. "One temptation unresisted seldom fails to be followed by another; a second and greater infidelity is the punishment of the first, and often the cause of a third. Peter joins perjury to infidelity. Deplorable progress of infidelity and blindness in an apostle in so short a time, only out of fear of some under servants, and in respect of a Master whom he had acknowledged very God. He might possibly have proceeded even as far as Judas, had God left him any longer to himself" (Quesnel). Immediately the cock crew . This was the second crowing ( Mark 14:72 ); the first had been heard at the first denial ( Mark 14:68 ).