Peter is standing in Solomon’s Portico, and he doesn’t soften a thing. “You denied the Holy and Righteous One... and you killed the Author of life.” Then in verse 17 he says, “I know that you acted in ignorance,” and two verses later, “Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out.” Ignorance doesn’t get them off the hook. What it does is leave the door open. And think about who’s preaching. Not long before, Peter stood by a fire and denied Jesus three times. That same night Jesus had told him, “when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” Now here’s Peter, a forgiven denier, telling a crowd of deniers to turn. He isn’t preaching down at them. He’s telling them where he found mercy, and that the same risen Jesus is offering it to them.
