Verse 54 There was a strange mixture of boldness and of timidity in Peter's plan of following, the officers and their prisoner at a stance, and coming into the palace after a brief interval, with the air of an unconcerned spectator of the proceedings. As it was dark when Jesus was apprehended, he probably supposed that his features would not be recognized again, notwithstanding the prominent part which he had taken in resisting the arrest. They who know how easily men of truth are sometimes surprised into falsehood in unexpected and trying emergencies, will not wonder much, considering the circumstances of the case, at Peter's denial. If, as was probably the fact, he went into the hall assuming the air and manner of a stranger, he placed himself in a false position, and then was drawn into false declarations to avoid detection We can never resort to concealment or disguise without exposing ourselves to the most imminent moral dangers.