although I was before a blasphemer, a persecutor, and insolent. However, I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
"Jesus recognized this principle when He prayed on the cross, ’Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do’ (Luke 23:34). Their ignorance did not save them, nor did Christ’s prayer save them; but the combination of the two postponed God’s judgment, giving them an opportunity to be saved." [Note: Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, 2:212.] 