THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW - Chapter 26 - Verse 33

Verse 33. Peter answered—though all, etc. The word men is improperly inserted here by the translators. Peter meant only to affirm this of the disciples. This confidence of Peter was entirely characteristic. He was ardent, sincere, and really attached to his Master. Yet this declaration was made, evidently:

(1.) From true love to Jesus.

(2.) From too much reliance on his own strength.

(3.) From ignorance of himself, and of the trials which he was soon to pass through. And it most impressively teaches us: \-

(1.) That no strength of attachment to Jesus can justify such confident

promises of fidelity, made without dependence on him.

(2.) That all promises to adhere to him, should be made relying on him

for aid.

(3.) That we little know how feeble we are, till we are tried.

(4.) That Christians may be left to great and disgraceful sins to

show them their weakness. Luke adds, that Jesus said to Peter, that

Satan had desired to have him, that he might sift him as wheat; that

he might thoroughly try him. But Jesus says that he had prayed for him,

that his faith should not fail, and charged him when he was

converted, i.e., when he was turned from this sin, to strengthen

his brethren, i.e., by teaching them to take warning by his example.

See Barnes "Lu 22:31-33".