Matthew 26:73

“And after a while, etc.] Mark says, “a little after”, (<411470>Mark 14:70), and Luke observes, that it was “about the space of one hour after”, (<422259>Luke 22:59): so that here was time to reflect upon what he had been saying, and to guard against another temptation, should he be attacked; but, alas! as yet he was unmindful of his Lord’s words, and persists in the denial of him, and that with greater aggravation, than at his first surprise: and indeed his temptation was now more violent: for there came unto him they that stood by; the officers and servants of the high priest, his attendants that waited upon him, and who stood by the fire, where Peter was warming himself: before he was…”

“And after a while - That is, about an hour after (Luke). Peter by this time had returned into the palace or hall, and stood warming himself by the fire, John 18:25. Thy speech bewrayeth thee - Your language makes it manifest that you are of his company. That is, as Mark adds, he was a “Galilean,” and in this way his speech betrayed him. It is probable that the Galileans were distinguished for some peculiarity of pronunciation, perhaps some unique rusticity or coarseness in their manner of speaking, that distinguished them from the refinement of the capital, Jerusalem. This charge, John says John 18:26, was supported by the express affirmation of a kinsman of Malchus, the servant of the high…”

“Surely thou art also one of them, for thy speech discovereth thee - Malchus might have brought a stronger proof than this. But such is the overruling providence of God, that the world, in the height of their zeal, commonly catch hold of the very weakest of all arguments against the children of God. Matthew 26:74”

“26:73 your Galilean accent: Jews from Galilee had a distinctive accent, compared with those from Judea (cp. 4:13 and corresponding study note).”

“Surely: Luk 22:59, Luk 22:60; Joh 18:26, Joh 18:27 for: Jdg 12:6; Neh 13:24 Matthew 26:74”