Matthew 26:51

One of them. That is, Peter (John 18:10). Matthew, Mark, and Luke do not mention him by name, probably because they wrote while Peter was yet alive. Perhaps their purpose was to spare him the embarrassment — in the presence of all who might read the record — of a direct reminder of this hasty deed. John, writing many years after Peter’s death, mentions him.

Drew his sword. Peter had wrongly construed the words of Jesus to mean that He actually intended the disciples to use weapons in self-defense (see Luke 22:38). Peter’s misguided zeal here displayed stands forth as a warning to God’s witnesses today not to take drastic and ill-considered action in promoting what they, at the moment, take to be the interests of the kingdom of heaven.

A servant. John, who was personally acquainted with the high priest (see John 18:15), identifies the servant as Malchus (v. 10). Malchus may have been one of those who “laid hands on Jesus” (Matt 26:50).

Smote off his ear. Peter probably intended to sever the man’s head. It may be that an unseen hand deflected the blow. Only Luke records the miraculous restoration of the severed ear (see on Luke 22:51).