New Testament
Luke 22:54
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
They took Jesus and led him to the high priest's house. Peter followed from a distance.
Compare translations
Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest’s house. And Peter followed afar off.
What Luke 22:54 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see the moment when Jesus is arrested and taken to the high priest's house for questioning. This event marks a significant turning point in the narrative of Jesus' life, as he is about to face trial and ultimately crucifixion. Peter, one of Jesus' closest disciples, follows at a distance, indicating his fear and uncertainty about what is happening. This distance symbolizes the struggle many face in standing up for their beliefs when confronted with danger or opposition. Peter's actions foreshadow his later denial of Jesus, highlighting the theme of human weakness in the face of fear. The high priest's house represents the religious authority that opposes Jesus, setting the stage for the conflict between Jesus and the established religious order. This moment captures the tension between loyalty and fear, as Peter grapples with his commitment to Jesus while witnessing the unfolding events from afar.
How to apply Luke 22:54 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own faith and how we respond in challenging situations. Like Peter, we may find ourselves following Jesus from a distance when faced with fear or opposition. It reminds us to stay close to our faith and not let fear dictate our actions.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Peter Denies Jesus (Luke 22:54–62)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jerusalem
David's capital, the city of the temple, and the place where Jesus died and rose again.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Luke 22:54
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Luke 22:54
Related Bible verses
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 22:54 mean?
Luke 22:54 describes the moment Jesus is arrested and taken to the high priest's house, highlighting Peter's decision to follow at a distance. This reflects Peter's fear and uncertainty, as well as the beginning of the conflict between Jesus and the religious authorities.
What is the significance of Peter following from a distance in Luke 22:54?
Peter following from a distance symbolizes his fear and struggle with loyalty to Jesus during a dangerous moment. It foreshadows his later denial of Jesus, illustrating the theme of human weakness in challenging situations.
What themes are present in Luke 22:54?
Key themes in Luke 22:54 include betrayal, fear, discipleship, authority, conflict, and loyalty. These themes highlight the tension between faith and fear as Peter grapples with his commitment to Jesus.
How does Luke 22:54 relate to the events of Jesus' trial?
Luke 22:54 is crucial as it leads directly to the events of Jesus' trial. It shows the beginning of the confrontation between Jesus and the religious authorities, setting the context for the subsequent questioning and condemnation.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.