Peter was bold enough in the flesh to enter temptation. But it is impossible for man to stand where it is a question of good and evil. He is a sinner and cannot go through that trial. If God judges, flesh comes to nothing. There is the weakness of human nature, but, besides, Satan’s title and power over man, who had brought out his own condition in God’s presence and come under death as the judgment of God. I may have learned in grace that the flesh is thus profitless, but it must be learned by contact with the enemy if not with God. For Simon, the Lord prayed that his faith should not fail; all his self-confidence must perish. Nor did he distrust Christ like Judas who had no faith. What enabled him afterward to strengthen his brethren? He discovered that there is perfect grace in Christ even when he did worst.
J. N. Darby