Exodus 23: 2 Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment.
This is what occurred when Peter presumed to mix in with the crowds that were reviling Christ in the judgment hall. He entered onto satan’s enchanted ground, and the enemy absolutely abused him, or as Christ once put it, he sifted Peter like wheat. John, who’d made his inner convictions clear as day, chose rather to be as close to Jesus as possible, but Peter, who courted popularity, chose to blend in with the crowd, so as to disguise his real feelings, and as such, when the crowd poked fun at Christ, he felt obligated to laugh too, lest his true feelings be known.
Thus, Peter fell a prey to the devices of devils, and they turned up the heat several notches, until in his frustration and anger, he let loose a number of four- letter words, denying any connection with Jesus. In other words, satan pressured him into siding with the crowd, against his personal inner convictions.
The Desire of Ages pp 711>712] The disciple John, upon entering the judgment hall, did not try to conceal the fact that he was a follower of Jesus. He did not mingle with the rough company who were reviling his Master. He was not questioned, for he did not assume a false character, and thus lay himself liable to suspicion. He sought a retired corner secure from the notice of the mob, but as near Jesus as it was possible for him to be.
Romans 14: 22 Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemns not himself in the thing which he allows. 23 And he that doubts is damned if he eat, because he eats not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is a sin.
May God add His blessing to the study of His word. “Good night” and God bless!