J C Ryle
We should mark the amazing degree of weakness that may be found in a real Christian. We see this exemplified, in a most striking manner, in the conduct of the Apostle Peter. We see that famous disciple forsaking his Master and acting like a coward – running away when he ought to have stood by His side, ashamed to own Him when he ought to have confessed Him, and finally denying three times that he knew Him. And this takes place immediately after receiving the Lord’s Supper – after hearing the most touching address and prayer that mortal ear ever heard, after the plainest possible warnings, under the pressure of no very serious temptation. Lord, we may well say, “what is man that Thou art mindful of him?” “Let him that thinketh he standeth, take heed lest he fall (Ps 8:4, 1 Cor 10:12).
This fall of Peter is doubtless intended to be a lesson to the whole Church of Christ. It is recorded for our learning, that we may be kept from like sorrowful overthrow. It is a beacon mercifully set up in Scripture to prevent others making shipwreck. It shows us the danger of pride and self-confidence. If Peter had not been so sure that, though all denied Christ, he never would, he would probably never have fallen. It shows us the danger of laziness. If Peter had watched and prayed, when our Lord advised him to do so, he would have found grace to help him in the time of need. It shows us, not least, the painful influence of the fear of man. Few are aware, perhaps, how much more they fear the face of man whom they can see, than the eye of God whom they cannot see. These things are written for our admonition. Let us remember Peter and be wise.
After all, let us leave the passage with the comforting reflection that we have a merciful and pitiful High Priest, who can be touched with the feeling of our infirmities and will not break the bruised reed. Peter no doubt fell shamefully, and only rose again after heartfelt repentance and bitter tears. But he did rise again. He was not left to reap the consequence of his sin, and cast off for evermore. The same pitiful hand that saved him from drowning, when his faith failed him on the waters, was once more stretched out to raise him when he fell in the High Priest’s hall. Can we doubt that he rose a wiser and better man? If Peter’s fall has made Christians see more clearly their own great weakness and Christ’s great compassion, then Peter’s fall has not been recorded in vain.
1Comments on John 18:12-27 reprinted from Ryle’s Expository Thoughts on John, vol 3.