Yes — God forgave the crucifixion of Jesus because those involved acted in ignorance, not with full knowledge of who He was.
Les Feldick teaches that both Jesus and Stephen prayed for forgiveness on the ground that the perpetrators 'know not what they do.' Peter explicitly told Israel that they killed the Messiah through ignorance, and Paul explains that the rulers of this world would not have crucified the Lord of glory if they had known who He was. This ignorance provided an 'escape route' for the nation, preventing immediate judgment.
Acts 3:17 — Peter directly states that Israel acted in ignorance, which is the basis for their forgiveness.
Luke 23:34 — Jesus' own prayer for forgiveness cites the ignorance of those crucifying Him.
1 Corinthians 2:8 — Paul affirms that the rulers did not know who Jesus was, otherwise they would not have crucified Him.
The Bible reveals that those who crucified Jesus did not fully understand what they were doing. Jesus Himself prayed, 'Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do' (Luke 23:34). In Acts, Peter, addressing the men of Israel, says, 'And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers' (Acts 3:17). This ignorance is confirmed by Paul in 1 Corinthians, where he writes, 'Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory' (1 Corinthians 2:8). Thus, Scripture consistently indicates that the crucifixion was an act performed in ignorance, not with full knowledge of Jesus' identity.
Les Feldick emphasizes that God's forgiveness of the crucifixion was rooted in the ignorance of the perpetrators. He points to the Old Testament model of the cities of refuge, where a person who killed another accidentally, in total ignorance, could flee and be set free (Clip 3, Clip 7). Les applies this to Israel: because they did not know who Jesus was, they escaped the punishment of a deliberate murderer (Clip 3). He also notes that both Jesus and Stephen asked forgiveness on the grounds of ignorance (Clip 1, Clip 7). Furthermore, Les stresses that this ignorance extended to the rulers of the world—both Jewish leaders and Rome—as Paul states in 1 Corinthians (Clip 2, Clip 4, Clip 6). The result is that God provided an 'escape route' for Israel, allowing for future mercy and forgiveness (Clip 2).
Les Feldick teaches that ignorance was the key factor that allowed for forgiveness. He explains that Peter explicitly told Israel, 'through ignorance you did it,' and he points out that both Jesus and Stephen prayed for forgiveness on that basis (Clip 1, Clip 7). Paul also confirms that the rulers of this world did not know who Jesus was; had they known, they would not have crucified Him (Clip 2, Clip 4, Clip 6). This ignorance made their act unintentional rather than a deliberate, premeditated murder, which opened the door for mercy.
Les Feldick draws a direct parallel to the cities of refuge in Israel's history. He describes a scenario where a farmer accidentally kills someone while clearing stones, and because the act was done in total ignorance, the farmer could flee to a city of refuge and be set free. Les applies this to Israel: because they killed the Messiah in ignorance, they were not treated as premeditated murderers but were given an 'escape route'—forgiveness.
Les Feldick observes that Peter, in Acts 3, does not dwell on Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection but instead stresses to Israel that they killed the Prince of life (Clip 0). He also notes that Stephen, while being stoned, echoed Jesus' prayer, 'Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do' (Clip 1, Clip 7). This emphasis shows that ignorance was the basis for the appeal for forgiveness.
Peter Accuses Israel of Killing the Prince of Life
Les highlights that Peter directly accuses Israel of killing the Prince of life, yet does not emphasize the crucifixion—indicating the focus is on their responsibility and subsequent need for repentance.
Ignorance as Reason for Forgiveness
Les explains why Peter offered the option of ignorance: because both Jesus and Stephen prayed for forgiveness on the ground that 'they know not what they do.'
Rulers' Ignorance and God's Escaping Route
Les teaches that the Jewish leaders and Rome did not know who Jesus was, quoting 1 Corinthians 2:8, and presents this ignorance as an escape route for Israel.
Cities of Refuge as Background
Les uses the Old Testament cities of refuge to illustrate that ignorance prevents guilt, applying this to Israel's crucifixion of Jesus.
Israel's Ignorance Despite Ability to Know
Les stresses that Israel could have known who Jesus was from the Old Testament, but their ignorance led to the crucifixion, and the rulers' lack of knowledge is emphasized.
Jesus' Prayer from the Cross
Les quotes Luke 23:34, 'Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do,' and notes that Israel should have known but did not.
Leaders' Ignorance in 1 Corinthians
Les explains that had the high priest, Pharisees, or Pilate known who Jesus really was, they would never have crucified Him—highlighting their ignorance.
Ignorance as Basis for Forgiveness
Les repeats the principle: Jesus and Stephen asked forgiveness because of ignorance, and the farmer analogy from the cities of refuge reinforces this.
Acts 3:17: And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers.
Peter directly attributes the crucifixion to ignorance, which is the stated reason for forgiveness.
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' words from the cross explicitly ask forgiveness based on their lack of knowledge.
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.
Paul confirms that the rulers did not know Jesus' identity, which is why they crucified Him.
Yes, Jesus prayed 'Father, forgive them' while on the cross, citing their ignorance. Les Feldick emphasizes that both Jews and Romans were involved but acted without full knowledge of who He was.
Les Feldick explains that the Old Testament cities of refuge showed that acts committed in total ignorance were not treated as premeditated murder. Thus, since the crucifiers did not know Jesus was the Messiah, they were not guilty of the highest crime and could be forgiven.
Les Feldick teaches that Israel should have known from the Old Testament prophecies, but they did not. Their lack of knowledge provided the basis for God's mercy.
Watch the Teaching: What Peter Really Preached in Acts 3 — Israel's Call to Repent