Note 7 at Jn. 18:10: It is the apostle John who reveals Peter as the one who cut off this servant's ear and names this servant. It is very doubtful that Peter was aiming for Malchus' ear. It is more probable that he was making a horizontal swing at this servant's head and as the man ducked, Peter cut off his ear.

Peter had been very vocal that he would never deny the Lord, and his actions here proved that he meant what he had said. There were only two swords among all the disciples (Lk. 22:38) and yet Peter was willing to take on these 600 soldiers. This spelled certain death or imprisonment.

Peter wanted to stand with the Lord, but he was not prepared spiritually. He was still strong in his own ability. If the battle would have been in the physical realm, Peter would have fought to the death as he proved here. But when Jesus told Peter to put up his sword and not resist with his physical power, Peter was confused.

Peter only knew how to rely on the flesh. When Jesus refused to allow Peter to fight with his sword, he was defenseless. If he would have been praying with Jesus as instructed (see note 7 at Mk. 14:38, p. 448), he would have been built up spiritually and able to stand with Jesus spiritually without denying Him. As the prophet Zechariah said, "Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts" (Zech. 4:6).

Likewise, we may sincerely desire to never deny our Lord, but it takes more than desire; it takes preparation. We have all been taught how to rely on ourselves, but we have to learn anew how to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might (Eph. 6:10). Just as in the physical realm, muscles have to be exercised to become strong, so we have to exercise ourselves unto godliness (1 Tim. 4:7).