_13 Several disciples, and in particular Simon Peter and John, follow the procession from a distance. They go into the courtyard of the house of the High Priest Caiaphas. Matthew 26.58; Mark 14.54.
_14 The Messiah Jesus is led to the incumbent High Priest, Caiaphas, who also lives near the Temple, at about 4:30 a.m. Luke notes that Peter and John remained in the courtyard for more than an hour. Mark 14.53-72; Matthew 26.57-75; Luke 22.54-62; John 18.15-27.
You can consult the complete chronology in the study ANN026 : The hour of the crucifixion.
Commentary:
Simon Peter and another disciple follow the procession from a distance, first watching the stop at Annas’ house and then the arrival at Caiaphas’. They advance cautiously, torn between fear and the deep attachment they feel for their Master. John specifies that this second disciple, whom we readily identify as the Apostle John himself (John 18.15, John 19.35, John 21.24), is known to the high priest and his servants, which allows him to pass without difficulty the checkpoint at the entrance of the residence. Thanks to this special relationship, he is even able to bring Peter into the inner courtyard (John 18.16).
It is still very early, and the morning cold can be felt. In the courtyard, servants and guards warm themselves around a fire, talking and bustling in an atmosphere unusual for so early an hour. The commotion betrays the importance of the event: they are visibly expecting a visitor of the highest rank, and everyone seems on the alert. Peter and, in our view, John try to blend in among the others present, hoping to go unnoticed. But their presence, especially Peter’s, will soon draw attention, as the following events will show.
This scene reveals both the faithfulness and the frailty of the disciples. They fled at the arrest, but they could not bring themselves to abandon the Messiah Jesus completely. Their love drives them to follow, but their fear keeps them from standing openly at his side. They advance in the shadows, still unable to understand that the Messiah Jesus is voluntarily fulfilling the divine plan of salvation, the one by which God shows his love for the world (John 3.16-17).
Thus, these verses show two disciples torn between courage and fear, seeking to remain close to the Messiah while avoiding being caught up in the turmoil. Their presence in the courtyard of Caiaphas prepares the dramatic scene of Peter’s denial, but it also testifies to a sincere attachment, still clumsy, which will be transformed after the resurrection.