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NASB | Luke 23:34 But Jesus was saying, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing." And they cast lots, dividing up His garments among themselves. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Luke 23:34 And Jesus was saying, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing." And they cast lots, dividing His clothes among themselves. [Ps 22:18] |
Bible Question:
Consider this request of Jesus,"Father forgive them for they know not what they are doing." I'm wondering about His statement. If they knew that Jesus IS God, would they have crucified Him? AND . . . If they knew what they were doing, would they still be forgiven because of His atoning death? |
Bible Answer: Greetings Mommapbs, One point of reference that we can use to fully explore what Jesus meant in Luke 23:34 is explained to us in Acts 3:17 by Peter, "And now, brethren, I know that you acted in ignorance, just as your rulers did also." Peter says this immediately after explaining to them that they "put to death the Prince of life.." (v. 15). Paul goes even further by saying, "the wisdom which none of the rulers of this age has understood; for if they had understood it they would not have crucified the Lord of glory;" in 1 Corinthians 2:8. Therefore, taken out of context, 1 Corinthians 2:8 would seem to support the idea that they actually would not have crucified Him had they actually known the truth about Who they were sentencing to death. But that very same thought concerning 1 Corinthians 2:8 is rendered pointless by Acts 2:23 and 3:18, since Christ was delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God. So, regardless if Pilate and the chief priests and Pharisees knew what they were doing, God had already predetermined the mission for His Son in regards to all mankind. However, if we presuppose that Pilate and the chief priests and Pharisees actually knew that they were putting to death the incarnate Son of God, and went ahead and still condemned Him to death anyway, then I believe that it would be impossible for them to be forgiven (Hebrews 6:4-6; 12:16-17). Blessings to you, Makarios |