Luke Chapter 22 · Verse 54
Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest's house. And Peter followed afar off.
Original Language Analysis
Συλλαβόντες
took they
G4815
Συλλαβόντες
took they
Strong's:
G4815
Word #:
1 of 17
to clasp, i.e., seize (arrest, capture); specially, to conceive (literally or figuratively); by implication, to aid
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 17
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἤγαγον
and led
G71
ἤγαγον
and led
Strong's:
G71
Word #:
4 of 17
properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, (reflexively) go, (specially) pass (time), or (figuratively) induce
καὶ
him and
G2532
καὶ
him and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 17
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
8 of 17
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οἶκον
house
G3624
οἶκον
house
Strong's:
G3624
Word #:
10 of 17
a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀρχιερέως·
the high priest's
G749
ἀρχιερέως·
the high priest's
Strong's:
G749
Word #:
12 of 17
the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Πέτρος
Peter
G4074
Πέτρος
Peter
Strong's:
G4074
Word #:
15 of 17
a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle
Historical Context
The high priest's house was in the upper city of Jerusalem, an aristocratic area. Its courtyard configuration allowed Peter to enter and warm himself while Jesus was interrogated inside. Archaeological evidence suggests these wealthy homes had central courtyards with surrounding rooms. The preliminary hearing at Annas' house was illegal under Jewish law, which prohibited nighttime trials. The religious leaders violated multiple legal procedures: nighttime trial, lack of proper witnesses, requiring self-incrimination, all on a feast day.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Peter's following 'afar off' reveal about the danger of partial commitment?
- How does Jesus' willing submission contrast with Peter's fearful distance?
- What circumstances make you follow Jesus 'from afar' rather than closely?
Analysis & Commentary
Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest's house. And Peter followed afar off. The arrest proceeds as Jesus predicted, and Peter's response begins his downfall. The phrase sullabontes auton ēgagon (συλλαβόντες αὐτὸν ἤγαγον, 'seizing him, they led') shows Jesus offering no resistance—He is led like the lamb to slaughter (Isaiah 53:7). The destination is the high priest's house, likely Caiaphas' residence where preliminary interrogation occurred before the formal Sanhedrin trial at dawn (v. 66). John 18:13 notes they took Him first to Annas, Caiaphas' father-in-law and former high priest who retained power.
Peter's response is tragic: ho de Petros ēkolouthei makrothen (ὁ δὲ Πέτρος ἠκολούθει μακρόθεν, 'but Peter followed from afar'). Earlier he boldly declared readiness to go to prison and death (v. 33); now he follows makrothen (μακρόθεν, 'from a distance'). Physical distance reflects spiritual distance. The verb akoloutheō (ἀκολουθέω, 'follow') describes discipleship throughout the Gospels—to 'follow Jesus' means identification and commitment. Following 'afar off' is oxymoronic—partial discipleship that leads to complete denial.