Peter’s denials : a Gospel comparison

Abstract

One prominent episode that is found within all the four canonical Gospels is that of the apostle Peter who denies Jesus three times (Matt 26:69-74; Mk 14:66-72; Lk 22:55-62; Jn 18:15-18, 25-27). The Evangelists chose to include this episode as part of their Gospel writing, basing it on specific theological motifs, in the context of the Passion narrative. The relevancy of this episode lies within the fact that it is included by the Synoptics and the Fourth Evangelist. Notwithstanding the variations between them, according to the intended communities it is evident that Peter is presented as the disciple who denies knowing Jesus from Nazareth. Albeit the promise of this earnest disciple to give his life to his Master, Peter still fails to acknowledge Jesus. This dissertation focuses on Peter’s denials as narrated in all four canonical Gospels. In this study, the figure of Peter is carefully considered to exhibit the importance that each of the Evangelists gave to this main disciple of Jesus. Peter is one of the Twelve and an important figure within the inner circle of Jesus’ disciples. For this reason, this study about Peter will serve to shed light on the Evangelists’ theological framework and motifs for including the episode of Peter’s denials. The specific content of each of the three denials as recounted by the four Evangelists is also analysed, showing the similarities as well as the peculiarities when describing this episode. In this way, by analysing this episode it is hoped that a clearer understanding of the way Peter has been portrayed in the Gospels will emerge. The study aims to show how, despite the important role given to him directly by Jesus, he did stumble when he was challenged by others about his identity and relationship with Jesus.