And the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept.
Immediately after Peter's denial, 'the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him... And when he thought thereon, he wept' (ἐκ δευτέρου ἀλέκτωρ ἐφώνησεν. καὶ ἀνεμνήσθη ὁ Πέτρος τὸ ῥῆμα ὡς εἶπεν αὐτῷ ὁ Ἰησοῦς... καὶ ἐπιβαλὼν ἔκλαιεν). The rooster's crow triggered memory of Jesus' prediction (v. 30). Peter 'called to mind' (anemnēsthē, ἀνεμνήσθη, remembered) Jesus' word and broke down weeping (eklaien, ἔκλαιεν, imperfect tense indicating sustained weeping). This immediate repentance distinguishes Peter from Judas—both betrayed Jesus, but Peter repented while Judas despaired (Matthew 27:3-5). Peter's tears were godly sorrow producing repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10). Jesus' prediction came true precisely, demonstrating His foreknowledge. Yet prediction included restoration—'when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren' (Luke 22:32). Peter's failure wasn't final; grace triumphed.
Historical Context
Jewish law required second cock-crow (around 3 AM) before morning sacrifices. Jesus had predicted denial 'before the cock crow twice' (v. 30). The precision demonstrates Jesus' foreknowledge and sovereignty—even Peter's sin occurred within divine plan. Luke records Jesus looking at Peter after denial (Luke 22:61), a glance that pierced his heart. Peter fled weeping, unlike Judas who sought religious leaders to return blood money before hanging himself (Matthew 27:3-5). The difference: Peter experienced godly sorrow leading to repentance; Judas experienced worldly sorrow leading to death (2 Corinthians 7:10). Peter's tears became foundational experience—he who denied became bold proclaimer (Acts 2:14-41; 4:8-12). His epistles emphasize perseverance, holiness, and God's grace sustaining believers through trials (1 Peter 1:3-9; 2 Peter 1:3-11). Personal failure deepened ministry effectiveness.
Questions for Reflection
What distinguishes Peter's repentant weeping from Judas' despairing remorse?
How does Peter's restoration after denial provide hope for Christians who fall into grievous sin?
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Analysis & Commentary
Immediately after Peter's denial, 'the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him... And when he thought thereon, he wept' (ἐκ δευτέρου ἀλέκτωρ ἐφώνησεν. καὶ ἀνεμνήσθη ὁ Πέτρος τὸ ῥῆμα ὡς εἶπεν αὐτῷ ὁ Ἰησοῦς... καὶ ἐπιβαλὼν ἔκλαιεν). The rooster's crow triggered memory of Jesus' prediction (v. 30). Peter 'called to mind' (anemnēsthē, ἀνεμνήσθη, remembered) Jesus' word and broke down weeping (eklaien, ἔκλαιεν, imperfect tense indicating sustained weeping). This immediate repentance distinguishes Peter from Judas—both betrayed Jesus, but Peter repented while Judas despaired (Matthew 27:3-5). Peter's tears were godly sorrow producing repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10). Jesus' prediction came true precisely, demonstrating His foreknowledge. Yet prediction included restoration—'when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren' (Luke 22:32). Peter's failure wasn't final; grace triumphed.