Did the Jews Peter addressed at Pentecost know the Old Testament even though they were in unbelief?
Yes. The Jews Peter addressed at Pentecost knew the Old Testament. They had been taught the law and the Old Testament prophets, and even though they were in rank unbelief, they still knew these things from the Old Testament. Their unbelief did not erase that knowledge.
Les explains that Peter is preaching on the day of Pentecost to the nation of Israel, still under the law, using Acts 2:22-23. He asks whether those Jews knew their Old Testament and answers, “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.
Why did Peter address his Pentecost sermon to 'ye men of Israel'?
Peter addressed his Acts 2 hearers as 'ye men of Israel' because at Pentecost God had not yet breached the covenant promise and was still dealing with Israel.