Did the Jews of Peter's day know the Old Testament even though they were in unbelief?
Yes, they did. The Jews in Peter’s day knew the Old Testament because they were taught in the law and the Old Testament prophets. Even though they were in rank unbelief, they still knew those things from the Old Testament.
Les explains from Acts chapter 2, verses 22 and 23, that Peter is preaching to the nation of Israel, still under the law. He asks whether those Jews knew their Old Testament and answers that of course they did. They were taught in the whole idea of the law and the Old Testament prophets. Even though they were in rank unbelief, they still knew these things from the Old Testament.
Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:
More Questions
Did the Jews who knew the Old Testament actually believe it?
Even though those Jews were in rank unbelief, they still knew these things from the Old Testament — knowledge of the Scriptures did not equal belief.