But Peter followed him afar off unto the high priest's palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end.

MATTHEW 26:58KJV
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Matthew 26:58 (KJV)

What does Matthew 26:58 mean?

Matthew 26:58 describes how Peter followed Jesus from a distance as Jesus was taken to the high priest’s residence, then entered the courtyard and sat with the servants to watch what would happen. Peter stayed close enough to see the outcome but kept his distance, not openly identifying himself with Jesus.

This verse is set during the night of Jesus’ arrest. The narrative focuses on Peter, one of Jesus’ closest disciples, as he tries to stay near Jesus without drawing attention to himself. The scene takes place at the high priest’s palace, where Jesus is about to be questioned, and Peter’s actions set the stage for his later denial of Jesus.

The Greek behind Matthew 26:58

  • ἀπὸ μακρόθεν (apo makrothen, "afar off"): This phrase means "from a distance" and highlights Peter’s caution and fear. He wants to stay close enough to observe but not so close as to be associated with Jesus.
  • τοῦ τέλους (tou telous, "the end"): The Greek word τέλος (telos) often means "the end" or "the outcome." Here, it suggests Peter’s intention to see how the situation with Jesus would resolve, not just the physical end but the result of the trial.

Why Matthew 26:58 matters

  • Matthew 26:58 shows Peter’s conflicted loyalty—he wants to remain near Jesus but is afraid to be recognized as his follower, which foreshadows his coming denial.
  • The verse emphasizes the tension and fear among Jesus’ followers during his arrest, helping readers understand the emotional and social pressures at play.
  • This moment connects to the wider narrative of Peter’s denial, illustrating how even the most devoted disciples struggled with fear and uncertainty in the face of danger.

Where else these words appear

“in” Greek G2080 · used in 8 verses

  • Mark 14:54 And Peter followed him afar off, even into the palace of the high priest: and he sat with the servants, and warmed himself at the fire.
  • John 20:26 And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.
  • Romans 7:22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:

“palace” Greek G833 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 26:3 Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas,
  • Mark 14:66 And as Peter was beneath in the palace, there cometh one of the maids of the high priest:
  • John 10:1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.

“off” Greek G3113 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 27:55 And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him:
  • Mark 14:54 And Peter followed him afar off, even into the palace of the high priest: and he sat with the servants, and warmed himself at the fire.
  • Luke 22:54 Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest's house. And Peter followed afar off.

“servants” Greek G5257 · used in 20 verses

  • Matthew 5:25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.
  • John 7:45 Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees; and they said unto them, Why have ye not brought him?
  • John 18:36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.