Acts 3:17

KJV

And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did [it], as [did] also your rulers.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} now {G3568}, brethren {G80}, I wot {G1492} that {G3754} through {G2596} ignorance {G52} ye did {G4238} it, as {G5618} did also {G2532} your {G5216} rulers {G758}.

Complete Jewish Bible

“Now, brothers, I know that you did not understand the significance of what you were doing; neither did your leaders.

Berean Standard Bible

And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders.

American Standard Version

And now, brethren, I know that in ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Acts 3:17, the Apostle Peter, having just confronted the Jewish crowd and their leaders for their role in the crucifixion of Jesus, pivots his sermon to acknowledge that their actions were committed "through ignorance." This crucial statement serves as a bridge, tempering his accusation with an understanding of their lack of full comprehension regarding Jesus' true identity as the Messiah, thereby opening the door for a heartfelt call to repentance and an invitation to receive forgiveness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment within Peter's second recorded sermon in the book of Acts, delivered to an astonished crowd gathered at Solomon's Porch. This gathering occurred immediately after the miraculous healing of a man lame from birth at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, performed by Peter and John through the power of Jesus' name ([Acts 3:1-10](/acts/3-1-10 "Acts 3:1-10 - Healing of the Lame Man")). Peter seizes the opportunity presented by the crowd's amazement to proclaim the gospel, directly accusing them of rejecting and crucifying Jesus, the "Holy and Just One" and the "Author of life" ([Acts 3:13-15](/acts/3-13-15 "Acts 3:13-15 - Peter's Accusation")). Acts 3:17 acts as a rhetorical shift, moving from direct accusation to a more empathetic understanding of their culpability, which then strategically prepares the audience for his urgent and gracious call to repentance and spiritual refreshing in the subsequent verses ([Acts 3:19-21](/acts/3-19-21 "Acts 3:19-21 - Call to Repentance and Times of Refreshing")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Peter's sermon is delivered in Jerusalem, the spiritual and political heart of Judaism, to a predominantly Jewish audience. This audience would have been deeply steeped in the Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah, yet many struggled to reconcile these expectations with Jesus' humble life and ignominious death. The "rulers" mentioned refer to the Jewish religious authorities, primarily the Sanhedrin, who had condemned Jesus. Their actions were influenced by political expediency, fear of Roman reprisal, and a misunderstanding of Jesus' spiritual kingdom. The common people, swayed by their leaders and perhaps by the fervor of the Passover season, had clamored for Jesus' crucifixion. The temple setting, specifically Solomon's Porch, was a common gathering place, making it an ideal location for public discourse and teaching, and thus a fitting stage for Peter's bold proclamation.

* **Key Themes:** Acts 3:17 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Acts and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Ignorance and Culpability**, demonstrating that while human actions are accountable, God's mercy extends even to those who act without full understanding of the gravity of their sin. This resonates with Jesus' own prayer from the cross, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do" ([Luke 23:34](/luke/23-34 "Luke 23:34 - Jesus' Prayer for Forgiveness")). Secondly, the verse underscores the **Shared Responsibility** for Jesus' death, implicating both the common people and their leaders, though perhaps with differing degrees of awareness. Thirdly, it beautifully illustrates the tension between **Divine Sovereignty and Human Free Will**, a recurring theological paradox. Peter had previously asserted that Jesus was delivered up "by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God" ([Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's Sovereign Plan")), yet here he holds humanity accountable for their actions, even if done in ignorance. This tension allows for the fourth key theme: **The Door to Repentance and Forgiveness**. By acknowledging their ignorance, Peter provides a pathway for his listeners to move beyond their past actions and embrace the truth now revealed, setting the stage for the transformative power of the gospel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **wot (Greek, _eídō'_):** This archaic King James Version term translates to "I know" or "I understand." The Greek verb _eídō_ (G1492) implies a deep, settled knowledge or a clear perception, rather than mere casual acquaintance. Peter is not guessing; he has a clear understanding, perhaps divinely revealed, of the spiritual state of his audience. This suggests a compassionate insight into their actions.
* **ignorance (Greek, _ágnoia'_):** The Greek word _ágnoia_ (G52) denotes a lack of knowledge, unawareness, or misunderstanding. It is distinct from willful rebellion or malicious intent. Peter's use of this term suggests that the people and their leaders did not fully grasp that they were condemning their long-awaited Messiah, the very one prophesied in their scriptures. Their actions stemmed from a profound spiritual blindness rather than outright, deliberate defiance of known truth.
* **rulers (Greek, _árchōn'_):** The term _árchōn_ (G758) refers to those holding a position of authority, specifically in this context, the Jewish religious and civil leaders. This would include the chief priests, elders, and scribes who comprised the Sanhedrin, the highest Jewish judicial body, who presided over Jesus' trial and condemned Him. Peter explicitly includes them in the category of those who acted out of ignorance, highlighting that even those in positions of spiritual leadership could be tragically mistaken.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And now, brethren":** Peter addresses the crowd with a term of kinship and affection, "brethren" (G80, _adelphós_), indicating a softening of his tone from the direct accusations of the preceding verses. The phrase "And now" (G2532 _kaí_, G3568 _nŷn_) marks a significant rhetorical transition, signaling a shift from condemnation to a more understanding and conciliatory posture, preparing them for the possibility of forgiveness and repentance.
* **"I wot that through ignorance ye did [it]":** Peter states his clear understanding (G1492 _eídō_) that their actions (G4238 _prássō_, "ye did it") were committed "through ignorance" (G2596 _katá_, G52 _ágnoia_). This is a crucial concession. It doesn't absolve them of guilt, but it explains the *nature* of their sin—a sin of profound misunderstanding rather than outright, informed malice. They did not fully comprehend that they were rejecting and crucifying the Son of God, the promised Messiah.
* **"as [did] also your rulers":** Peter extends this assessment of ignorance not only to the common people but also to their leaders (G758 _árchōn_). The comparative particle "as" (G5618 _hṓsper_) emphasizes that the ignorance was shared. This is a bold statement, as these rulers were supposedly the spiritual guides of the nation. It underscores the tragic spiritual blindness that afflicted both the leadership and the populace in their rejection of Jesus.

#### Literary Devices
Peter employs several literary devices in this concise verse to achieve his rhetorical purpose. The initial address, **Apostrophe**, "brethren," creates a direct and intimate connection with his audience, softening the preceding accusations and inviting them to listen with an open heart. This is immediately followed by a profound act of **Concession**, where Peter acknowledges their ignorance. This concession is not an absolution but a strategic rhetorical move that validates their human experience while still holding them accountable. It serves as a bridge, allowing the audience to lower their defenses and become more receptive to the gospel message. Furthermore, there's an element of **Understatement** in "through ignorance," as the act of crucifying the Messiah was the ultimate sin, yet Peter frames it in a way that allows for divine mercy. This sets the stage for the powerful call to repentance that follows, making the path to forgiveness seem more accessible.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 3:17 stands as a profound testament to God's redemptive plan, demonstrating how even the most grievous human sin, committed in ignorance, can be woven into the tapestry of divine purpose and become an opportunity for grace. Peter's acknowledgment of the crowd's and their rulers' ignorance does not negate their culpability but highlights the depth of God's mercy and foreknowledge. It underscores that while humanity bears responsibility for its actions, God's sovereign plan for salvation through Christ's sacrifice was immutable, even utilizing human sin to achieve His ultimate redemptive purposes. This verse thus lays the groundwork for the universal offer of repentance and forgiveness, emphasizing that no sin is beyond God's reach when met with a humble and contrite heart.

* [Luke 23:34](/luke/23-34 "Luke 23:34 - Jesus' Prayer for Forgiveness on the Cross")
* [1 Corinthians 2:8](/1_corinthians/2-8 "1 Corinthians 2:8 - The Rulers of This Age Did Not Understand")
* [1 Timothy 1:13](/1_timothy/1-13 "1 Timothy 1:13 - Paul's Former Ignorance and God's Mercy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 3:17 offers a powerful lens through which to examine our own understanding of truth, grace, and evangelism. Peter's approach teaches us the importance of compassionate confrontation: while we must boldly proclaim the truth of sin and the need for salvation, we should also seek to understand the underlying reasons for people's resistance or rejection. Often, it's not malicious intent but genuine ignorance or misunderstanding that prevents people from embracing Christ. This verse encourages us to extend grace and patience, remembering that we, too, were once spiritually ignorant before the light of Christ illuminated our hearts. It also calls us to self-examination, prompting us to consider if there are areas in our lives where we might be acting "through ignorance" of God's revealed will, perhaps neglecting His commands or failing to live in accordance with His truth. This should drive us to a deeper study of God's Word and a greater reliance on the Holy Spirit for illumination.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, or others I know, be acting "through ignorance" regarding God's will or truth in daily life?**
* **How does Peter's compassionate approach in this verse inform my own interactions with those who are resistant to the gospel?**
* **What is the balance between holding people accountable for their sin and acknowledging the role of ignorance in their actions?**

### FAQ
**Does Peter's statement about "ignorance" absolve the Jewish people of guilt for crucifying Jesus?**

Answer: No, Peter's statement about "ignorance" (G52, _ágnoia_) does not absolve the Jewish people or their leaders of guilt, but rather clarifies the nature of their sin. While they did not fully comprehend that they were crucifying the Messiah, their actions still constituted a rejection of God's Son and His redemptive plan. Peter immediately follows this verse with a call to repentance ([Acts 3:19](/acts/3-19 "Acts 3:19 - Peter's Call to Repentance")), which would be unnecessary if there were no guilt to repent from. The "ignorance" points to a lack of full spiritual understanding, not a lack of moral responsibility. It highlights God's incredible mercy in offering forgiveness even for such a profound act, especially when committed without complete awareness of Jesus' true identity. This aligns with Jesus' own prayer on the cross, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do" ([Luke 23:34](/luke/23-34 "Luke 23:34 - Jesus' Prayer for Forgiveness")), which similarly acknowledges their lack of full understanding while still implying the need for forgiveness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 3:17, with its emphasis on actions committed "through ignorance," finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Himself. While Peter acknowledges the human culpability in the crucifixion, the New Testament consistently portrays Jesus' death not as a tragic accident, but as the predetermined and sovereign plan of God for the salvation of humanity ([Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's Foreknowledge and Plan")). Christ, the innocent Lamb of God, willingly laid down His life, becoming the ultimate atoning sacrifice for sins committed both knowingly and unknowingly. His prayer from the cross, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do" ([Luke 23:34](/luke/23-34 "Luke 23:34 - Jesus' Prayer for Forgiveness")), directly echoes and fulfills the very sentiment Peter expresses in Acts 3:17, demonstrating the boundless mercy and grace of God embodied in Christ. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus became the one who could forgive even those who, in their spiritual blindness, rejected and crucified Him. Thus, the "ignorance" of the people and their rulers serves to highlight the magnitude of Christ's redemptive work, proving that His sacrifice is sufficient to cover all sin, opening the door to repentance and new life for all who believe, regardless of their past understanding ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love") and [Ephesians 2:4-5](/ephesians/2-4-5 "Ephesians 2:4-5 - God's Rich Mercy")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 23:34

Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

Acts 13:27

For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled [them] in condemning [him].

John 16:3

And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.

1 Corinthians 2:8

Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known [it], they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

1 Timothy 1:13

Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did [it] ignorantly in unbelief.

Acts 26:9

I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.

2 Corinthians 3:14

But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which [vail] is done away in Christ.