Luke 22:57
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Luke 22:57
57 And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not.
Chapter Context
Luke 22 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of fellowship, discipleship, truth. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-71: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 22:57
57 And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not.
Analysis
And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not. Peter's first denial is direct and emphatic. The Greek ērnēsato legōn (ἠρνήσατο λέγων, 'he denied saying') uses arneomai (ἀρνέομαι), meaning to disown, repudiate, refuse association with. Jesus used this same verb in Luke 9:23: 'let him deny himself and take up his cross'—Peter denies Christ instead of self. The statement ouk oida auton, gynai (οὐκ οἶδα αὐτόν, γύναι, 'I do not know him, woman') uses oida (οἶδα), meaning intimate knowledge, not mere acquaintance. Peter claims complete ignorance of the man he confessed as 'the Christ of God' (Luke 9:20).
This lie contradicts three years of discipleship, countless miracles witnessed, intimate conversations, and Peter's recent confession. Yet fear erases memory. The address gynai (γύναι, 'woman') is respectful but distancing—Peter doesn't engage her claim, simply denies it. Hours earlier he declared, 'Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death' (v. 33). Jesus responded, 'before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice' (v. 34). Peter's self-confidence has become self-destruction.
Historical Context
Peter's denial fulfills Jesus' specific prediction (v. 34). The threefold denial corresponds to the threefold restoration in John 21:15-17. Peter's collapse demonstrates that even apostles are capable of catastrophic failure without God's sustaining grace. Church tradition holds that Peter wept whenever hearing a rooster for the rest of his life. His later boldness (Acts 2-4) came from the Holy Spirit's empowerment (Acts 2:4), not natural courage. His failure became testimony: the same man who denied Christ before a servant girl later boldly proclaimed Him before the Sanhedrin (Acts 4:8-12).
Reflection
- How can someone who witnessed Christ's glory deny Him so quickly under pressure?
- What does Peter's use of 'I do not know him' reveal about how sin distorts truth?
- How does Jesus' prediction of Peter's denial demonstrate both foreknowledge and patience?