Luke 22:31-34

¹ tc The majority of mss (א A D W Θ Ψ Ë^1,13 Ï as well as several versional witnesses) begin this verse with an introductory comment, “and the Lord said,” indicating a change in the subject of discussion. But this is apparently a reading motivated by the need for clarity. Some of the best witnesses, along with a few others (Ì⁷⁵ B L T 1241 2542^c sy^s co), do not contain these words. The abrupt shift is the more difficult reading and thus more likely to be original.

² tn Grk “behold” (for “pay attention” see L&N 91.13).

³ sn This pronoun is plural in the Greek text, so it refers to all the disciples of which Peter is the representative.

⁴ sn Satan has demanded permission to put them to the test. The idiom “sift (someone) like wheat” is similar to the English idiom “to pick (someone) apart.” The pronoun you is implied.

⁵ sn Here and in the remainder of the verse the second person pronouns are singular, so only Peter is in view. The name “Simon” has been supplied as a form of direct address to make this clear in English.

⁶ sn That your faith may not fail. Note that Peter’s denials are pictured here as lapses, not as a total absence of faith.

⁷ tn Grk “And when.” Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.

⁸ tn Or “turned around.”

⁹ sn Strengthen your brothers refers to Peter helping to strengthen their faith. Jesus quite graciously restores Peter “in advance,” even with the knowledge of his approaching denials.

¹⁰ tn Grk “he”; the referent (Peter) has been specified in the translation for clarity.

¹¹ sn The confidence Peter has in private (Lord, I am ready…) will wilt under the pressure of the public eye.

¹² tn Grk “he said”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.

¹³ sn That is, Peter’s denials will happen before the sun rises.

¹⁴ sn Once again, Jesus is quite aware that Peter will deny him. Peter, however, is too nonchalant about the possibility of stumbling.