George Hutcheson
15 And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another Disciple: that Disciple was known unto the high Priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high Priest.
16 But Peter stood at the doore without, Then went out that other Disciple, which was known to the high Priest, and spake unto her that kept the doore, and brought in Peter.
Followeth the second part of the Chapter, containing an account of what occurred in the high Priests hall; It consisteth of three branches In the first whereof (to v. 19.) Peters first slip and denial of his Master is recorded. In these verses is declared how Peter cometh to get into the place of trial: Namely, that (with another disciple known to the high Priest) following his Master a far off, he is stopped at the door when the other got in, till that other disciple, making use of his acquaintance in the house, removeth that stop. For clearing whereof, Consider, 1. As for that other Disciple known to the high Priest (and, as appears by his dealing with the maid, to his family also.) Albeit it may seeme to have been John the beloved Disciple, who useth thus to speak of himselfe in the third person, as chap. 20.2, 3, 4. and elsewhere: Yet there is no sufficient ground to think that it was either he, or any other of the eleven. For it is not very probable that obscure men, who for three years and an halfe had been disciples to Christ, should yet (any of them) be so familiar in the high Priests house, who was so cruel an enemy to Jesus. And therefore it should seem he was one of Christs hidden disciples (of whom Chap. 12.42.) who hearing of the businesse, followed on with Peter (whom it seemeth he met by the way) and got easie accesse by reason of his acquaintance there. Consider, 2. As for this practice of Peter; (or of John either, if so be that other was he) Albeit it was not unmeet Christ should have some witnesses there, to mark all that was done, and an hidden disciple might act that part well enough: Yet seeing all the eleven Disciples were dismissed at that time, v. 8. and warned of their hazard, and the trysting place assigned after his Resurrection, Matth. 26.31, 32. and particularly, Peter being forewarned of his fall, Matth. 26.33, 34. and that he could not follow his Master now, John 13.36. It may be concluded that he did rashly, (however, it seem, affectionatly) thus to hazard in such a place of trial: Especially, having no other errand, (as is marked, Mat. 26.58.) but only to see the end, to applaud and congratulate his Master, if he escaped, and to shift for himselfe, if it fell out otherwise. Doctrine 1. The Lords people may draw themselves under many selfe-created crosses and trials; Not only in so far as by sinne they procure they should be inflicted, Jer. 2.19. or by their bitternesse and unbelief do render their own condition grievous unto them, as Jonah did: But more especially, when they run without a calling, and cast themselves upon tentations, in ensnaring places and company; for, thus did Peter here, when he followed Jesus into the high Priests hall; Whatever zeal or affection seem to be in it. 2. We are bound to have charity, that even many who have much acquaintance with greatest persecutors, may yet in their hearts be friends to Christ, though their faintness and reservedness cannot be approved; for, there is another disciple known to the high Priest, who went in (without interruption) with Jesus into the palace of the high Priest. So there an Obadiah in Ahabs court, and a Rahab in Jericho. 3. Albeit Christ in his suffering seem to be deserted of all, and his enemies may think they have driven his followers from him, and now he is in the power of them and their complices; Yet he wants not, even in such societies, some who are friends, and witnesses of their injustice; for, here, one known to the high Priest, who went in with Jesus, was a disciple, and was a witnesse to all their procedure. 4. When the Lords people are running upon snares, it may please him to lay an impediment by his providence in their way; whereof they ought to make use, to examine their way better; for, so much did the Lord call Peter unto, when in his providence the other got in, but he stood at the door without, the gate, it seems, being strictly kept, so that no strangers got in, possibly out of fear lest Christ be rescued. It is of general verity, that impediments laid in our way; cals us to examine it, though it prove not alwayes ill because impeded, but the Lord thereby would only exercise our dependance and other graces. 5. As when the voyce of conscience is often sleighted, it may be stricken dumb, that it molest not the sinner; So when providential dispensations, crossing our way, are not regarded, the Lord may take away these impediments, and let men go on without difficulty, though little to their profit; for, he standing without still, the other disciple interposeth and obtaineth accesse for him to the place where he fell in the snare. 6. It is the duty of friends to take heed lest, in seeking too much to pleasure their friends, they prove instruments of their destruction, at least, of their real hurt; for, so this disciple, by his kindnesse and care of Peter, helped him into the snare.
