ACC ~ John 18 v16

PETER, THOUGH AFRAID, STILL FOLLOWS

CHRYSOSTOM: But the wonder is that Peter, even though he was so afraid, still came even as far as the hall when the others had retreated. His coming this far was caused by love. He did not enter, however, because he was distressed and afraid. For the Evangelist has recorded these things to pave the way for excusing his denial. But with regard to himself, he does not set it down as any great matter that he was known to the high priest. And yet, since he had said that he alone went in with Jesus (in case you might think he was bragging), he also gives the reason why he went in. And that Peter would have also entered, had he been permitted, he shows by what happens next. For when John went out and asked the servant girl who kept the door to bring in Peter, he immediately came in. But why didn’t John bring him in himself? It was because he clung to Christ and followed him. This is why he asked the woman to bring Peter in. HOMILIES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 83.2. [1]

[1] NPNF 1 14:308-9**

PETER AFRAID TO GO IN ALONE

THEODORE OF MOPSUESTIA: After he had showed his power through these things, our Lord surrendered voluntarily and was bound. First they took him to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas the high priest. His disciples Simon Peter and John, who wrote this Gospel, followed him. John, who was known to the high priest, went into the courtyard without fear. Simon … stayed alone outside the gate because he lacked the courage to go in alone and knew no one on the inside. John, when he saw that Simon did not get in, went out and told the woman guarding the gate to let him in. Actually, John’s frankness allowed him to be familiar with the high priest. COMMENTARY ON JOHN 7.18.16. [1]

[1] CSCO 4 3:326.

Jn