No, if they had known who Jesus really was, they would not have crucified Him, and God would have had to destroy the entire human race.
Les Feldick teaches that the crucifixion happened because the rulers of Israel and Rome did not know Jesus as the Lord of glory. If they had known, judgment would have been unavoidable, and God would have had to destroy both Jew and Gentile. Their ignorance made mercy possible.
1 Corinthians 2:8 — This verse explicitly states that had the rulers known who Jesus was, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 2:8, "Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory." This verse indicates that the rulers of this world, both Jewish and Roman, were unaware of Christ's true identity. Their ignorance was a key factor in the crucifixion. In Acts 3:17, Peter addresses the people of Israel, saying, "And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers." This confirms that Israel and their leaders acted in ignorance when they rejected and killed Jesus. Additionally, Jesus Himself prayed from the cross, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34), and Stephen echoed this in Acts 7:60, "Lord, lay not this sin to their charge." Both appeals are grounded in the ignorance of the perpetrators.
Les Feldick emphasizes that the ignorance of the people was not an excuse but a condition that allowed God's mercy to be extended. He teaches that had the Jewish leaders and Roman authorities known who Jesus truly was, they would never have crucified Him, and God would have been obligated to bring immediate judgment upon them—indeed, upon the entire human race. The only way the crucifixion could happen, and thereby provide redemption, was through their ignorance. Les uses the Old Testament cities of refuge as an illustration: a man who killed another accidentally, in total ignorance, could flee to a city of refuge and be safe from punishment. Similarly, Israel, because they acted in ignorance, was spared from the death penalty that would have come upon them for murdering their Messiah. This ignorance also opened the door for God's mercy to continue toward Israel and the world.
Les Feldick teaches that the crucifixion occurred precisely because of ignorance. Had the rulers known who Jesus was, they would not have crucified Him. But because they were unaware of His true identity as the Lord of glory, they went ahead with His execution. The sovereignty of God, however, used this ignorance to fulfill the prophecies regarding the Messiah's suffering and death.
Les Feldick teaches that if the people had known who Jesus was, they would not have crucified Him. Moreover, had they known and still demanded His death, God would have had to destroy them immediately, and indeed the whole of humanity, for such a sin. The judgment would have been unavoidable. Since they acted in ignorance, mercy was possible.
Les Feldick explains that in Israel's history, a person who killed another unintentionally, without knowing, could flee to a city of refuge and be safe. If the city leaders determined the death was accidental and done in ignorance, he was free from punishment. This illustrates that Israel's ignorance in crucifying Jesus spared them from the judgment they would have faced if they had knowingly killed the Son of God.
Ignorance in Acts
Les explains that Peter told the Jews they acted in ignorance, and uses the city of refuge as an analogy for unintentional acts.
Rulers Did Not Know
Les quotes 1 Corinthians 2:8 to show that Jewish leaders and Rome did not know who Jesus was; had they known, they wouldn't crucify Him.
Forgiveness Based on Ignorance
Les connects Peter's statement, Christ's prayer, and Stephen's prayer—all appeal to the ignorance of the offenders.
Israel Could Have Known
Les states Israel could have known who Jesus was but didn't; had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord.
Pilate Came Close
Les shows even Pilate came close to recognizing Jesus but didn't, leading to His crucifixion.
Judgment Avoided by Ignorance
Les teaches that if Israel had knowingly rejected the Messiah, they would have been condemned, but ignorance spared them.
Romans Also Ignorant
Les emphasizes that both Romans and Jewish leaders were ignorant of Christ's true identity, so they crucified Him.
Cities of Refuge Context
Les again explains the city of refuge principle, showing that ignorance led to mercy, as with Israel.
1 Corinthians 2:8: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
This verse directly states that the rulers unknowingly crucified Jesus.
Acts 3:17: And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers.
Peter acknowledges Israel's ignorance in the killing of Jesus.
Luke 23:34: Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
Jesus appeals for forgiveness based on the ignorance of those executing Him.
Acts 7:60: And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
Stephen echoes Christ's prayer, also appealing to ignorance.
According to Les Feldick, no. If they had known who Jesus was, they would not have crucified Him. Their ignorance was the reason they carried it out.
Les Feldick teaches that if they had known and still crucified Him, God would have had to bring judgment immediately, potentially destroying the entire human race.
The city of refuge protected those who killed accidentally in ignorance. Similarly, Israel's ignorance in crucifying Jesus spared them from immediate judgment.
Watch the Teaching: What Peter Really Preached in Acts 3 — Israel's Call to Repent