17 "Now, fellow Israelites, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders.
17 And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers.
17 "And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers.
17 "And now, friends, I know you had no idea what you were doing when you killed Jesus, and neither did your leaders.
17 Yet now, brethren, I know that you did it in ignorance, as did also your rulers.
17 "Friends, I realize that what you and your leaders did to Jesus was done in ignorance.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Acts 3:17
Commentary on Acts 3:12-18
(Read Acts 3:12-18)
Observe the difference in the manner of working the miracles. Our Lord always spoke as having Almighty power, never hesitated to receive the greatest honour that was given to him on account of his Divine miracles. But the apostles referred all to their Lord, and refused to receive any honour, except as his undeserving instruments. This shows that Jesus was one with the Father, and co-equal with Him; while the apostles knew that they were weak, sinful men, and dependent for every thing on Jesus, whose power effected the cure. Useful men must be very humble. Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but to thy name, give glory. Every crown must be cast at the feet of Christ. The apostle showed the Jews the greatness of their crime, but would not anger or drive them to despair. Assuredly, those who reject, refuse, or deny Christ, do it through ignorance; but this can in no case be an excuse.