Surah An Nur Tafseer

Except those who repent thereafter and do righteous deeds; (for such) verily, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

This exception refers to the second and third rulings mentioned above.

The flogging has been carried out regardless of whether he repents or persists, and after that there is no further punishment, as is agreed among the scholars.

If he repents, then his testimony may be accepted, and he is no longer to be regarded as a rebellious.

This was the view of Sa`id bin Al-Musayyib -- the leader of the Tabi`in -- and also a group among the Salaf.

Ash-Sha`bi and Ad-Dahhak said,

"His testimony cannot be accepted even if he does repent, unless he himself admits that he said something false, in which case his testimony may be accepted."

And Allah knows best