Knowledge and responsibility 4:6–9 Knowledge brings with it responsibility. The moment Esther became aware of the need, she became accountable for her actions. This simple truth has profound implications. The proclamation of the gospel increases the culpability of mankind: ‘In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent’ (Acts 17:30). Men are, of course, fully accountable even before hearing the gospel; they have, after all, the witness of creation