John 18:10-11 (also Matthew 26:47-54; Mk. 14:47-49; Lu. 22:50-51)

Simon Peter then, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s slave, and cut off his right ear; and the slave’s name was Malchus. 11 So Jesus said to Peter, “Put the sword into the sheath; the cup which the Father has given Me, shall I not drink it?”

Only John’s gospel is clear about who cut off the ear of the slave Malchus. It was Peter. The other gospels just said that he was one of those who was with Jesus. Matthew’s gospel also was more descriptive than the others about why they were not to use the sword.

As for Peter, he proved here that he was one to act without thinking. What was he intending to do? fight the entire Roman army? If he did, Jesus had a response for him; that He had at His disposal more than twelve legions of angels—if it was God’s will to fight them. But Jesus knew that what was happening was according to God’s will. And so, He had no will to fight. He was even compassionate toward His enemies; and He reached out and touched the one who was injured by the sword so that he was healed (Lu. 22:51).