although I was before a blasphemer, a persecutor, and insolent. However, I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief: This statement clearly shows that at the time Paul was blaspheming Christ’s name and persecuting and injuring Christians, he thought he was doing God a service. Paul’s ignorance did not excuse him for what he did. It did serve to modify his guilt, however, and was among the reasons God had mercy on him.