Simon Peter's Three (3) Denials of Christ and Peter's Three Boastful Statements in the Gospel Accounts

Peter's Three (3) Denials of Christ and Three Boastful Statements in the Gospel Accounts
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Why the Accounts in Luke, John, Matthew, and Mark Differ

on What Jesus and Peter Said When Peter Proclaimed His Loyalty to Christ

When Simon Peter proclaimed his loyalty to Jesus just before Jesus Christ’s unjust trial, Peter actually proclaimed his loyalty three different times. Twice, he proclaimed his loyalty to Jesus prior to Jesus and His disciples leaving to go to the Mount of Olives (in John and Luke’s Gospel accounts).

After they had left to go to the mount, Peter again proclaimed his loyalty to Christ (in Matthew and Mark’s Gospel accounts). The accounts in Matthew and Mark are nearly identical and happen after Jesus and His disciples go to the Mount of Olives. And, the accounts in Luke and John take place prior to Jesus Christ and His disciples going to the Mount of Olives. 

The books of Luke and John differ because they present two different events that took place. Peter's first statement of loyalty to Christ when the time was nearing for Jesus to be crucified was in John chapter 13, verse 37. Peter's second proud statement was in Luke chapter 22, verse 33. This took place before they went to the Mount of Olives (see Luke 22:39). Peter's last boast of loyalty came in Matthew chapter 26, verse 35. 

Thus, the Gospel accounts need to be seen as synoptic. They tell the story of the God-Man, our Redeemer, and the Savior of all who believe, Jesus Christ of Nazareth (who was born in Bethlehem, Israel). And, the writers tell their accounts of Jesus Christ, His teachings, and His miracles from the unique perspectives of several individuals. This is proof of the Gospel accounts' authenticity. And, this is strong evidence for the accuracy of the Gospel writers, some of whom were eye-witnesses. Others gathered information from eye-witnesses. So, their testimonies of Jesus Christ should be believed. 

Jesus Christ said this profound truth in John's Gospel account:

[John 14:6] "[6] Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life : no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." 

[John 5:24] "[24] Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation ; but is passed from death unto life." 

[John 3:16-21]

"[16] For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 

[17] For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world ; but that the world through him might be saved. 

[18] He that believeth on him is not condemned : but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 

[19] And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 

[20] For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 

[21] But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God." [Underlining added for emphasis]



In the book of Romans, God had the apostle Paul write:


[Romans 4:1-6]

"[1] What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found ?

[2] For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory ; but not before God.

[3] For what saith the Scripture ? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.  

[4] Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.

[5] But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. 

[6] Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works," [Underlining and bold added for emphasis]

[Romans 10:9-10]

"[10] That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
[11] For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness ; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."


In the book of Titus, God had Paul write:


[Titus 2:13-14]

"[13] Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ ;
[14] Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." [Underlining and bold added for emphasis]


Again, Romans 4:5 says: "[5] But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness." 



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🌍 ➠ If you would like to know Abba God the Father and Jesus Christ (God the Son), and be saved from sin, click here to read more. There is no other way of salvation than by trusting in Jesus Christ the Savior (1 Timothy 2:5-6). Our own works can never save us.

"[3] For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour ; 
[4] who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. [5] For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus ; [6] who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time." [1 Timothy 2:3-6.]

"[38] Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." [Acts 2:38.]

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{Peter's First Boastful Statement to Jesus as Christ looks toward Gethsemane} 

John 13:36-38

"[36] Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou ? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now ; but thou shalt follow me afterward.

[37] Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now ? I will lay down my life for thy sake.

[38] Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake ? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice." [Underlining added for emphasis]

{The Second Statement} 

Luke 22:31-34

"[31] And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat :

[32] but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not : and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

[33] And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.

[34] And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me."

Luke 22:39: “[39] And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives ; and his disciples also followed him.”

{The Third Statement} 

Matthew 26:30-35

"[30] And when they had sung a hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.

 [31] Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night : for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad. 

[32] But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee. 

[33] Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended.

[34] Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.

[35] Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples." 

Mark 14:26-31

"[26] And when they had sung a hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives. 

[27] And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night : for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered.  

[28] But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee.  

[29] But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I. 

[30] And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. 

[31] But he spake the more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all." [Underlining added for emphasis]