Matthew 26:69 Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also was with Jesus of Galilee. 70 But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest.
[The Desire Of Ages pp 711>712] Peter had not designed that his real character should be known. In assuming an air of indifference he had placed himself on the enemy's ground, and he became an easy prey to temptation. Many who do not shrink from active warfare for their Lord are driven by ridicule to deny their faith. By associating with those whom they should avoid, they place themselves in the way of temptation.
They invite the enemy to tempt them, and are led to say and do that of which under other circumstances they would never have been guilty. The disciple of Christ who in our day disguises his faith through dread of suffering or reproach denies his Lord as really as did Peter in the judgment hall.
Peter tried to show no interest in the trial of his Master, but his heart was wrung with sorrow as he heard the cruel taunts, and saw the abuse He was suffering. In order to conceal his true feelings, he endeavored to join with the persecutors of Jesus in their untimely jests. But his appearance was unnatural. He was acting a lie and while seeking to talk unconcernedly he could not restrain expressions of indignation at the abuse heaped upon his Master.
Matthew 26:71 And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth. 72 And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man. 73 And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech betrays thee. 74 Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study of His word. God bless!