John 18:10

Then Simon Peter Simon Peter therefore (John 18:3), because he -saw what would follow" (Luke 22:49). All four Evangelists mention this act of violence; S. John alone gives the names. While S. Peter was alive it was only prudent not to mention his name; and probably S. John was the only one who knew (John 18:15) the servant's name. S. Peter's impetuous boldness now illustrates his impetuous words John 13:37 and Mark 8:32.

having a sword Probably one of the two produced in misunderstanding of Christ's words at the end of the supper (Luke 22:38). To carry arms on a feast-day was forbidden; 30 that we have here some indication that the Last Supper was not the Passover.

the high priest's servant No doubt he had been prominent in the attack on Jesus, and S. Peter had aimed at his head. S. Luke also mentions that it was the rightear that was cut, and he alone mentions the healing, under cover of Which S. Peter probably escaped.