Devine Scripture

Acts 3:17

What does Acts 3:17 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 3:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 3:17 means

Peter, softening his tone somewhat, acknowledged that both the people and their leaders had acted in ignorance regarding Jesus' true identity. This recognition of their lack of understanding offered a glimmer of hope for repentance, suggesting that their actions, though grievous, were not necessarily malicious in their intent. It prepares the way for an invitation to change, rather than outright condemnation.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And now, my brothers, I am conscious that you did this, as did your rulers, without knowledge.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`And now, brethren, I have known that through ignorance ye did <FI>it<Fi> , as also your rulers;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And now, brethren, I know that you did it through ignorance: as did also your rulers.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

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

Context

Having laid out the severity of their actions, Peter now introduces an element of compassion and understanding. By acknowledging their ignorance, he opens a path for reconciliation and repentance, rather than simply leaving them under judgment. This compassionate framing is crucial for making the subsequent call to repentance both accessible and effective, showing a way forward despite their past mistakes.

v.16And by faith in his name hath his name made this man strong, whom ye behold and know: yea, the faith which is through him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.

v.17This passage

v.18But the things which God foreshowed by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ should suffer, he thus fulfilled.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • John 7:26

    And lo, he speaketh openly, and they say nothing unto him. Can it be that the rulers indeed know that this is the Christ?

  • Genesis 21:26

    And Abimelech said, I know not who hath done this thing: neither didst thou tell me, neither yet heard I of it, but to-day.

  • Exodus 32:1

    And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down from the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we know not what is become of him.

  • Numbers 22:6

    Come now therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people; for they are too mighty for me: peradventure I shall prevail, that we may smite them, and that I may drive them out of the land; for I know that he whom thou blessest is blessed, and he whom thou cursest is cursed.

  • John 16:3

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

  • Acts 13:27

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

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