The ignorance of the Jews (v 17-18)

“And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, just as your rulers also did.” (1) Here Peter’s tone changes. Note the shift in how Peter addresses the people from “men of Israel” to “brethren.” This indicates that Peter is beginning to encourage the people based on a more intimate relationship. (2) The people, along with their leaders, rejected Jesus and handed Him over to the Gentiles. The cause of this was “ignorance.” The idea that ignorance leads to unbelief is also found in Hosea 4:6. (3) However, can it truly be said that the Jews rejected Jesus out of ignorance? Jesus performed numerous signs and proved Himself to be the Messiah. Despite this, the Jews did not accept that Jesus was the incarnate person. This was because they believed the Messiah would come as a conquering king. They considered Jesus a deceiver. They were ignorant of the fact that the Messiah, at His first coming, would be a suffering servant. (4) Sins committed in ignorance can be forgiven. In Numbers 15:22-31, there are provisions for unintentional sins. Jesus’ prayer aligns with this principle, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34). (For more on Paul’s teaching, ref. 1 Cor. 2:8.) “But the things which God previously announced by the mouths of all the prophets, that His Christ would suffer, He has fulfilled in this way.” Unlike the Jews, God acted with knowledge. The ignorance of the Jews is contrasted with the knowledge of God. (1) The suffering of Christ was prophesied through the mouths of the prophets. (2) Although it was the Jews who caused Christ to suffer, Christ presented Himself to them as the Lord and Savior. (3) Therefore, through Christ, the Jews can receive forgiveness for their sins. Let’s meditate on the wonderful forgiveness of God for the sins we have committed. Next time, we will learn about repentance. Let’s turn our hearts toward God.