… I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief.
Summary: Paul’s confession of his actions before meeting Jesus Christ is a helpful reference point for us.
When God brought the Israelites out of Egypt, he chose Moses to lead them. In the story, Moses is not some superhero who comes out of nowhere. He has what is called a “back story.” He was born in Egypt during a time of persecution (Exodus 1:8-14). He survives a royal edict to kill all male children (Exodus 1:22). He has an older sister, Miriam, and an older brother, Aaron (Numbers 26:59).
Moses ends up being raised in Pharaoh’s own household (Exodus 2:10), then, as an adult, he murders an Egyptian in the belief that he was protecting an Israelite (Exodus 2:11-12). This sets off a chain of events that leads to a self-imposed exile from Egypt and a forty-year stint as a shepherd in the wilderness (Acts 7:30).
Eventually, God chooses Moses to confront Pharaoh and demand that he allow the Hebrews to leave (Exodus 3:1-10). Aaron becomes his spokesman (Exodus 4:14-16), and Miriam becomes known as a prophetess (Exodus 15:20). Some time later, the authority given to Miriam and Aaron appears to go to their heads. They grumbled:
“‘Has the Lord spoken only through Moses?’ they asked. ‘Hasn’t he also spoken through us?’ And the Lord heard this.” (Numbers 12:2)
At this point in the story, they are not just grumbling against Moses, but against God. It is God, after all, who chose Moses to lead his people.
The result is not what they hoped for. Instead of God saying, “You know, you’re right. Moses isn’t the only one here who can lead. You two take the reins and lead my people Israel,” he said, “Come out to the tent of meeting, all three of you.” (Numbers 12:4)
Ruh-roh, Scooby!
When God is done lecturing them, Miriam (apparently the ringleader in the complaining department) is left leprous (Numbers 12:10). Horrified, Aaron, no doubt gripped with fear and guilt, begs Moses to forgive their insubordination and pray for Miriam’s healing, which he does (Numbers 12:11-13).
What does all this have to do with Paul?
Like Paul, Miriam and Aaron acted in ignorance and unbelief. Strong’s Lexicon defines the Greek word for “ignorance” as a “lack of information or intelligence.”* Even though they had seen all the evidence of God’s presence, they acted as though they knew better than God how things should work. Like Paul and the Pharisees he associated with, they put themselves first. What God actually wanted (Micah 6:8) was conveniently set aside.
Thankfully, God is merciful. After seven days, God healed Miriam. After Paul’s opposition to Jesus, God introduced him to the Lord. After whatever we have done, Jesus offers forgiveness, too. (Revelation 3:20)
Application: Humility before God is not optional.
Food for Thought: What is the antidote for ignorance and unbelief?
*”G50 – agnoeō – Strong’s Greek Lexicon (NIV).” Blue Letter Bible. Web. 7 Feb, 2026. <https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g50/niv/mgnt/0-1/>.
What is the antidote for ignorance and unbelief?
Learn the Word of God: read it, meditate on it, pray about it, let the truth of God through Christ change the way we think and operate. Strive to understand the full measure of the Bible, not portions that justify personal agendas. God encourages us to slow down and be filled with His Spirit, then act according to His Will.
John 8:31-32 If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
Weigh our hearts against the truth in the Bible. Ask hard questions on how our beliefs align with that in the Word. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide us; invite Him into the conversation.
Ephesians 1:13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.
Accept the gift of faith. Sometimes we realize our beliefs do not align with Christ, and we are depending on ourselves or in other things. When we let go of ourselves and other things and choose to follow Christ, our faith is bolstered.
Romans 10:17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
Seek the love of Christ; not through works or “earning it,” through believing His Word, acting in faith in love to others, humbling ourselves and being obedient to His Word. The antidote for ignorance and unbelief is the fullness of God.
Ephesians 3:19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Thank you, Christ.
Very well thought out and presented.
The simplistic answer to your question is true knowledge of God’s word and obedience to that word. Knowledge of God’s word and faith.
Thank you, Rich!
I couldn’t agree more! 🙂
What is the antidote for ignorance and unbelief?
An antidote or remedy is defined as something which will counteract the effects of poison, something that relieves, prevents, or counteracts.
The antidote for ignorance and unbelief is belief..
God has provider the antidote as He sent His Holy Spirit to this world.
John 16:8-11, When he comes, he will convict the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 about sin, because people do not believe in me; 10 about righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; 11 and about judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.
God has provided the antidote, the lions share of the work is done. As believers remaining on earth, it is our calling to fully comprehend this fact and extend Gods love toward the unlovable who are deep inside seeking truth. They know they are wrong, we do not have to tell them and whether they take or reject the antidote is their choice, which will determine their eternal destiny.
Ron,
Thank you! I like your logic!!
“The antidote for ignorance and unbelief is belief..”