Beschreibung:
<jats:title>Abstract:</jats:title>
<jats:p>A growing strand of scholarship assumes that Mark’s account of Peter’s denial should be understood within the context of the Neronian persecution. This paper strengthens this view by arguing that the cock whose crow reminds Peter of Jesus’ words is a hidden reference to Nero. Evidence comes from Suetonius, who testifies that a cock was indeed used as a derisive metaphor for Nero and alluded to his self-representation as an Apollo-like artist. The apparent tension between three denials and only two cock-crows in Mark 14,72 can then be taken as a proleptic allusion to a third “cock-crow”, i. e. to the Neronian persecution when Peter ultimately confessed his belonging to the disciples of Jesus instead of denying it. He is thus portrayed as a positive role model for those in the Marcan community who failed to remain steadfast during the persecution.</jats:p>