But Peter stood at the door without
It being difficult to get in; and perhaps he might be fearful too
of going in, lest he should be known; however, he waited, if he
could hear or see anything, and for a proper opportunity of
entrance: it would have been well if he had took the hint of
providence, access not being easy, and have gone his way; for he
was now at the door of temptation: it would have been best for
him, if he had kept without; and indeed at a greater distance;
but his curiosity had led him thus far, and he hoped for an
opportunity of getting nearer, which offered in the following
manner:
then went out that other disciple, which was known unto the
high
priest;
seeing Peter through the window, by the light of the moon, for it
was full moon; and knowing him, who he was, concluded he had a
mind to come in, and hear and see what he could, steps out,
and spake unto her that kept the door;
which might be thought more properly the business of menservants;
but these being employed in apprehending and guarding Jesus, the
maid, servants might be obliged to take this post. The Ethiopic
version, in the next verse, calls her the doorkeeper's daughter;
her father might be the porter, and he being busy, she supplied
his place. Though there is no need of these conjectures, since it
was usual with other nations, and it might be with the Jews, for
women to be doorkeepers, as Pignorius
and brought
in Peter;
into the hall, where Jesus was, under the examination of the high
priest.
F12 De Servis, p. 454, 455.