He was there when Jesus was arrested, in very real danger of being taken into custody, too. Those were frightening, terrifying moments for him and for his friends.
But when Jesus told the soldiers "I am the One you are seeking, let these men go their way," it appears that most of the disciples then quietly stepped back. But not Peter.
Brash and bold, he drew his sword to defend Jesus. Knowing he was no match for the soldiers of the high priest, Peter chose the high priest's servant as the object of his wrath and struck off his ear.
The events of the next few moments are truly amazing. Jesus healed the servant. And apparently the soldiers didn't even notice. How could they not have seen? A display of the power of the Son of God before their very eyes and they did not see it. What were they doing--where was their attention as Jesus tenderly touched the ear, restoring it to full function? Capturing Jesus was their assignment--surely their eyes would be full on Him. Yet Jesus performed His last miracle before their very eyes and they were oblivious.
Then the soldiers seized Jesus and led him away. Most of the disciples then fled, fearing for their lives. Peter followed at a distance--still brash and impetuous--maybe not as bold.
In the hours that followed, three times he was recognized as having been with Jesus and three times he denied it. Upon the third denial and the crowing of the rooster, the enormity and reality of his denial of Jesus pierced his heart
and he wept aloud...no longer brash and bold
but broken and burdened with sin.
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