“And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Peter’s gentle address shifts immediately from accusation to understanding, calling them "brothers" and acknowledging their actions stemmed from ignorance. This wasn't to excuse their sin, but to show that their error, however grave, still left room for repentance and God's mercy, a hope also extended to their leaders.
“And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Peter, having just miraculously healed a man and drawn a crowd, is now addressing them directly about their role in Jesus' crucifixion. He acknowledges the gravity of their actions but softens the blow by calling them "brothers" and pointing out their ignorance, a factor that also applied to their leaders. This gentle approach is designed to lead them toward repentance rather than hardening their hearts with accusations.
Peter just delivered a powerful sermon, calling out the crowd for their role in Jesus' crucifixion. But then, something shifts. How does he address them now, and why?
A Masterclass in Pastoral Care
Right after the bold pronouncements of the sermon, Peter pivots. He had called them 'men of Israel' (Acts 3:12), a factual identification. But now, he shifts to 'brothers'. This isn't just a casual greeting; it's a deliberate move to bridge the gap created by their sin.
Peter acknowledges the people's and rulers' 'ignorance' in crucifying Jesus. What does this mean for guilt, and is it a free pass?
Ignorance vs. Malice
Peter doesn't say their actions were innocent, but that they were done in ignorance. This is a crucial distinction:
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Understand the original words
agnoia · Greek Noun
A state of lacking divine knowledge or understanding regarding God's will. While it mitigates moral culpability compared to willful rebellion, it does not absolve one from the need for repentance and reconciliation with God.
Peter's address to the crowd in Acts 3:17 highlights a crucial moment of divine mercy. By acknowledging their ignorance, he opens a path to repentance and forgiveness, even for those who participated in Jesus' crucifixion, emphasizing that God's plan was being fulfilled despite human actions.
c. 30 AD— this verse
Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus of Nazareth is arrested, tried, and crucified by the Roman authorities in Jerusalem, following a request from Jewish leaders. The event is witnessed by his followers and many onlookers.
c. 30 AD
Pentecost and the Birth of the Church
Following Jesus' ascension, his disciples receive the Holy Spirit and begin to preach boldly in Jerusalem, leading to the conversion of thousands.
c. 30-33 AD
Healing of the Lame Man
Peter and John, empowered by the Holy Spirit, heal a man lame from birth at the temple gate. This miracle draws a large crowd, to whom Peter preaches about Jesus.
c. 33 AD
Arrest of Peter and John
Following Peter's sermon, he and John are arrested by the temple authorities and brought before the Sanhedrin for preaching the resurrection of Jesus.
Jesus himself, while on the cross, offers a similar plea for forgiveness based on ignorance, showing this concept was central to understanding their sin.
1 Corinthians 2:8This passage directly links the rulers' ignorance to their inability to recognize the divine wisdom behind Christ's crucifixion.
1 Timothy 1:13Paul uses his own past actions, which were done in ignorance before his conversion, as an example of how such actions can be forgiven, paralleling Peter's approach.
Hebrews 10:26This verse highlights the severe consequences of sinning 'willfully' after receiving knowledge of the truth, contrasting it with the mitigating factor of ignorance Peter addresses.
barnesActs 3:17: "And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers."
And now, brethren - Though they had been guilty of a crime so enormous, yet Peter shows the tenderness of his heart in addressing them still as his brethren. He regarded them as of the same nation with himself; as having the same hopes, and as being entitled to the same privileges. The expression also shows that he was not disposed to exalt himself as being by nature more holy than they. This verse…
calvinActs 3:17-21: "And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers."
- And now, brethren, I know that through ignorance you did it, as did also your rulers. 18. And God hath fulfilled all things which he had spoken by the mouth of his prophets, that Christ should suffer. 19. Repent, therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be forgiven, 20. When the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; and he shall send him that was preached before…
Peter’s gentle address shifts immediately from accusation to understanding, calling them "brothers" and acknowledging their actions stemmed from ignorance. This wasn't to excuse their sin, but to show that their error, however grave, still left room for repentance and God's mercy, a hope also extended to their leaders.
Peter, having just miraculously healed a man and drawn a crowd, is now addressing them directly about their role in Jesus' crucifixion. He acknowledges the gravity of their actions but softens the blow by calling them "brothers" and pointing out their ignorance, a factor that also applied to their leaders. This gentle approach is designed to lead them toward repentance rather than hardening their hearts with accusations.
Peter, having just miraculously healed a man and drawn a crowd, is now addressing them directly about their role in Jesus' crucifixion. He acknowledges the gravity of their actions but softens the blow by calling them "brothers" and pointing out their ignorance, a factor that also applied to their leaders. This gentle approach is designed to lead them toward repentance rather than hardening their hearts with accusations.
"“And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers." — Peter’s gentle address shifts immediately from accusation to understanding, calling them "brothers" and acknowledging their actions stemmed from ignorance. This wasn't to excuse their sin, but to sho…
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Last reviewed October 2026