But as the light flashed upon Peter's face, the woman who kept the door cast a searching glance upon him. She had noticed that he came in with John, she marked the look of dejection on his face, and thought 711 that he might be a disciple of Jesus. She was one of the servants of Caiaphas' household, and was curious to know. She said to Peter, "Art not thou also one of this Man's disciples?" Peter was startled and confused; the eyes of the company instantly fastened upon him. He pretended not to understand her; but she was persistent, and said to those around her that this man was with Jesus. Peter felt compelled to answer, and said angrily, "Woman, I know Him not." This was the first denial, and immediately the cock crew. O Peter, so soon ashamed of thy Master! so soon to deny thy Lord!

Men da skæret fra ilden oplyste Peters ansigt, tilkastede den kvinde, der var dørvogterske, ham et søgende blik. Hun havde lagt mærke til, at han var kommet ind sammen med Johannes. Hun lagde også mærke til hans nedtrykte ansigtsudtryk og mente, at han måske var en af Jesu disciple. Hun hørte til tyendet i Kajfas husholdning, og hun var nysgerrig efter at vide besked. Hun sagde til Peter: "Er du ikke også en af den mands disciple" Peter blev forfærdet og forvirret. Alles øjne rettedes øjeblikkelig imod ham. Han lod, som om han ikke forstod hende; men hun blev ved og sagde til de omkringstående, at denne mand havde været sammen med Jesus. Peter følte sig tvunget til at svare og sagde vredt: "Jeg kender ham ikke, kvinde!" Dette var den første fornægtelse, og straks efter galede hanen. Ak Peter, så hurtig til at skamme dig over din Mester! så hurtig til at fornægte din Herre!