João 18:26-27

The third questioner was a relative of Malchus whose ear Peter had cut off in Gethsemane (John 18:10). Only John recorded the relationship. This fact supports the view that the "other disciple" was John. He knew the relationships of people within the high priest’s household.

The accuser also identified Peter as a Galilean (Matthew 26:73; Mark 14:70; Luke 22:59). His question expected a positive answer in contrast to the former two that expected a negative answer. It posed the greatest threat to Peter’s security. Peter responded by uttering his most vehement denial. Immediately a cock crowed (for the second time, Mark 14:72) fulfilling the prediction that Jesus had spoken just hours earlier (13:38). John also omitted Peter’s oaths and curses (cf. Matthew 26:74; Mark 14:71), Jesus’ convicting look (Luke 22:61), and Peter’s bitter tears of contrition (cf. Matthew 26:75; Mark 14:72; Luke 22:62). The effect is that the fulfillment of Jesus’ prediction receives the emphasis.

The encouraging record of Peter’s restoration to fellowship and usefulness follows in chapter 21.