Matthew 26:57-75 (Matins, 3rd Passion Gospel)
57 |
And those who had laid hold of Jesus led Him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled. |
58 |
But Peter followed Him at a distance to the high priest's courtyard. And he went in and sat with the servants to see the end. |
59 |
Now the chief priests, the elders, and all the council sought false testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, |
60 |
but found none. Even though many false witnesses came forward, they found none. But at last two false witnesses came forward |
61 |
and said, "This fellow said, 'I am able to destroy the temple of God and to build it in three days.' " |
62 |
And the high priest arose and said to Him, "Do You answer nothing? What is it these men testify against You?" |
63 |
But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest answered and said to Him, "I put You under oath by the living God: Tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God!" |
64 |
Jesus said to him, "It is as you said. Nevertheless, I say to you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven." |
65 |
Then the high priest tore his clothes, saying, "He has spoken blasphemy! What further need do we have of witnesses? Look, now you have heard His blasphemy! |
66 |
What do you think? They answered and said, "He is deserving of death." |
67 |
Then they spat in His face and beat Him; and others struck Him with the palms of their hands, |
68 |
saying, "Prophesy to us, Christ! Who is the one who struck You?" |
69 |
Now Peter sat outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came to him, saying, "You also were with Jesus of Galilee." |
70 |
But he denied it before them all, saying, "I do not know what you are saying." |
71 |
And when he had gone out to the gateway, another girl saw him and said to those who were there, "This fellow also was with Jesus of Nazareth." |
72 |
But again he denied with an oath, "I do not know the Man!" |
73 |
And a little later those who stood by came up and said to Peter, "Surely you also are one of them, for your speech betrays you." |
74 |
Then he began to curse and swear, saying, "I do not know the Man!" Immediately a rooster crowed. |
75 |
And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him, "Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times." So he went out and wept bitterly. |