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What the Fathers say
Eastern Fathers
John Chrysostom
Do you see what a great thing gentleness is? More than any vehemence, it pricks our hearts, inflicts a keener wound. For as in the case of bodies which have become callous the man that strikes upon them does not affect the sense so powerfully, but if he first mollify them and make them tender, then he pierces them effectually; so in this instance also, it is necessary first to mollify. But that which softens, is not wrath, not vehement accusation, not personal abuse; it is gentleness. …
Theophylact of Ohrid
You see how much condescension there is and how it is more capable than severity of penetrating the hearts of people and softening them. Although the blessed Peter does remind them in this passage of their audacities, he reminds them gently, adding nothing offensive to them. They were ashamed of Peter's condescension, that is, of the fact that with them—who had put to death the Lord Himself, who had raised their hands against the apostles and wished to destroy them—Peter spoke with care, as a father and teacher. …
Oecumenius
Peter's speech, moderated with gentleness, led them to regret. The phrase "they were pierced" (κατενύγησαν), instead of "they were struck" (ἐπλήγησαν), indicates that they suffered inwardly and judged themselves. Therefore they seek a remedy for the evil, and affectionately call them brothers, those whom they formerly mocked. The address "brothers" was not said out of equality, as if presenting themselves to them by such a form of address, but showing how they had grown fond of them. …
Western Saints
Augustine of Hippo
For on the sending down of the Holy Spirit after the Lord's passion, and resurrection, and ascension, when miracles were being done in the name of Him whom, as if dead, the persecuting Jews had despised, they were pricked in their hearts; and they who in their rage slew Him were changed and believed; and they who in their rage shed His blood, now in the spirit of faith drank it; to wit, those three thousand, and those five thousand Jews whom now He saw there, when He said, "When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know …
Bede
And having heard this, they were cut to the heart, etc. See the prophecy of Joel fulfilled, the flesh following the fire of the Holy Spirit, compunction's vapor follows. For smoke tends to produce tears. They begin to weep who had laughed, they beat their chest, they give their prayer to God as a sacrifice, so they might taste the blood of salvation, which they had previously invoked upon themselves and their children to their condemnation. It follows:
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