17. And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers.
18. But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled.
After pointing the finger Peter wisely takes a step back and concedes that they had no idea what they were doing, then he says the same thing about their leaders. You see, God had a plan and you just were part of that plan. Jesus was supposed to suffer and die, and that prophecy was fulfilled.
When talking to people, we cannot always be negative, doom, dire death and destruction all the time. We have to take a step back and show them that there is hope. Yes there are consequences for sin, but we cannot always focus on that, we need to show people HOPE! People need to know that there is salvation.
Peter brings them to the point where they know they need to do something and rather than keep beating them over the head, he switches gears and tells them what they need to do to be saved….
19. Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.
20. And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:
21. Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.
Repent of your sins, change your ways, have your sins cleansed and receive the blessings of the Lord. You see Jesus Christ will come to you, just like he preached.
22. For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you.
23. And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people.
24. Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days.
25. Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.
26. Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.
Peter then reminds them that the prophets foretold Jesus and that again explains that he rose from the Grave and was sent for a purpose.
When talking to unsaved people, we must know when to back off and explain things in greater detail, address their questions and explain things to them in terms that they understand.
Examine how you talk to people and just how you explain the Gospel. If you don't show hope, peace and Love, you need to make some changes in your approach.
