Malchus (III)

III. MALCHUS, a Servant of the High -priest Caiaphas, who being in the Garden John xviii. 10.of Olives with those that were sent to apprehend Jesus, was smote by Saint Peter, and had his right Ear cut off. Tho’ it is not certain whether it was so entirely separated from his Head as to fall to the Ground, or was only cut off in Part. The latter is most probable, because Jesus only touched it to Luke xxii. 51, 52.heal it. Some believe that Peter struck this Servant only in his own Defence, and to prevent him from securing him also. There is a great Probability, that Saint Peter intended to have cut off his Head, and not his Ear. Cornelius à Lapide thinks that Malchus became a Convert; but others are of Opinion, that it was he that struck our Saviour in the Face, and asked him, Dost thou answer the High-priest thus? But the Scripture does not favour this Opinion at all. For Saint John says, he that John xviii. 22.struck our Saviour was one of the Officers belonging to the High-priest Annas, without insinuating that it was Malchus, of whom he had spoke a little before.

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