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The account of the Two Thieves, also known as the two criminals or malefactors, is a significant narrative found in the New Testament, specifically in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. These two individuals were crucified alongside Jesus Christ at Golgotha, the place of the Skull, during the crucifixion event. Their account is particularly noted for its theological implications and the contrasting responses to Jesus.

Biblical Account

The Gospel of Matthew briefly mentions the two thieves inMatthew 27:38 : "At that time two robbers were crucified with Him, one on His right and the other on His left." Similarly,Mark 15:27 states, "Along with Jesus, they crucified two robbers, one on His right and one on His left." These accounts emphasize the fulfillment of prophecy, as Jesus was "numbered with the transgressors" (Isaiah 53:12).

The Gospel of Luke provides a more detailed account of the interaction between Jesus and the two thieves.Luke 23:32-33 introduces them: "Two others, who were criminals, were also led away to be executed with Jesus. When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified Him there, along with the criminals, one on His right and the other on His left."

The Penitent Thief

Luke's Gospel uniquely records the dialogue between Jesus and the two criminals. One of the thieves, often referred to as the "penitent thief" or "good thief," acknowledges his guilt and recognizes Jesus' innocence. InLuke 23:39-41 , the narrative unfolds: "One of the criminals who hung there heaped abuse on Him. 'Are You not the Christ?' he said. 'Save Yourself and us!' But the other one rebuked him, saying, 'Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same judgment? We are punished justly, for we are receiving what our actions deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.'"

The penitent thief's recognition of Jesus' righteousness and his own sinfulness is a profound moment of repentance and faith. He then makes a humble request inLuke 23:42 : "Then he said, 'Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom!'"

Jesus' Promise

In response to the penitent thief's plea, Jesus offers a promise of salvation, demonstrating His authority and grace even in His final moments.Luke 23:43 records Jesus' words: "And Jesus said to him, 'Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.'" This assurance of eternal life highlights the immediacy of salvation through faith in Christ and underscores the theme of redemption.

The Unrepentant Thief

In contrast, the other thief, often referred to as the "unrepentant thief," joins the crowd in mocking Jesus, as noted in the earlier verses. His lack of repentance and continued derision serve as a stark contrast to the penitent thief's faith and humility.

Theological Significance

The account of the Two Thieves is rich with theological significance. It illustrates the divergent human responses to Jesus Christ—one of faith and repentance, the other of rejection and scorn. The narrative underscores the core Christian belief in salvation by grace through faith, as the penitent thief, despite his past, receives the promise of eternal life solely through his faith in Jesus.

Furthermore, the account emphasizes the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and the nature of Jesus' mission to seek and save the lost. The interaction between Jesus and the penitent thief serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of faith and the boundless mercy of Christ, even in the final moments of life.the Two Thieves

The men who under this name appear in the history of the crucifixion were robbers rather than thieves, belonging to the lawless bands by which Palestine was at that time and afterward infested. Against these brigands every Roman procurator had to wage continual war. It was necessary to use an armed police to encounter them. (Luke 22:62) Of the previous history of the two who suffered on Golgotha we know nothing. They had been tried and condemned, and were waiting their execution before our Lord was accused. It is probable enough, as the death of Barabbas was clearly expected at the same time that they had taken part in his insurrection had expected to die with Jesus Barabbas. They find themselves with one who bore the same name, but who was described in the superscription on his cross as Jesus of Nazareth. They could hardly have failed to hear something of his fame as a prophet, of his triumphal entry as a king; They catch at first the prevailing tone of scorn. But over one of them there came a change. He looked back upon his past life, and saw an infinite evil. He looked to the man dying on the cross beside him, and saw an infinite compassion. There indeed was one unlike all other "kings of the Jews" whom the robber had ever known. Such a one must be all that he had claimed to be. To be forgotten by that king seems to him now the most terrible of all punishments; to take part in the triumph of his return, the most blessed of all hopes. The yearning prayer was answered, not in the letter, but in the spirit.

Jesus Hanging on the Cross BetweenTwo Thieves.
... CHAPTER XLI. Jesus hanging on the Cross betweentwo Thieves.... The height of the
crosses of thetwo thieves was much less than that of our Lord....

Christ Prays for his Enemies. -- theTwo Thieves.
... CHAPTER VII. THE CRUCIFIXION. Section 291. Christ Prays for his Enemies."
TheTwo Thieves. When he was fastened to the cross, amid...

Whether it was Fitting for Christ to be Crucified withThieves?
... Hom. lxxxvii in Matth.) that they crucified thetwo thieves, one on either
side, "that He might be made to share their guilt. But...

The Carrying of the Cross.
... executioners put the arms of the crosses, which were a little curbed and not as
yet fastened to the centre pieces, on the backs of thetwo thieves, and tied...

The Opening of the Side of Jesus.
... CHAPTER XLVIII. The Opening of the Side of Jesus. Death of thetwo thieves. Whilst
these events were taking place in Jerusalem, silence reigned around Calvary....

Jesus Condemned to be Crucified.
... and were gone to the Temple, so that Annas, Caiphas, and twenty-eight priests alone
followed the Roman governor on to the forum, and thetwo thieves were taken...

The Dying Thief
... speak of now"that of the 'daughters of Jerusalem,' that of the deriding scribes
and the indifferent soldiers, and this one of thetwo thieves"each presents...

Justification by Grace
...Two thieves were with him there; not righteous men, lest any should have said
that the death of thosetwo righteous men helped the Saviour....

Crucifixion of theThieves.
... During the time of the crucifixion of Jesus, thetwo thieves were left lying on
the ground at some distance off; their arms were fastened to the crosses on...

The Penitent Thief
... Let us look at Christ hanging on the cross between thetwo thieves. The Scribes
and Pharisees wagged their heads, and jeered at Him. His disciples had fled....

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