The Two Thieves

Summary

Two robbers who were crucified alongside Jesus Christ, one of whom repented and received assurance of salvation.

☩Identity and Background

The men crucified with Jesus were robbers (Greek lēstai) rather than petty thieves (kleptai), belonging to the lawless bands that infested Palestine. Crucifixion was the penalty for both robbery and rebellion against Rome. They had been tried and condemned before Jesus was accused, and it is probable they were companions of Barabbas, having participated in his insurrection. The stronger Greek term kakourgos ('wrongdoer') used in Luke's account designates the more aggressive, initiating type of criminality.

Key verses:Matthew 27:38Luke 23:32-33

☩The Crucifixion Scene

Jesus's cross was placed between those of the two criminals to add to the ignominy of His position. Initially, both criminals appear to have joined the crowd in mocking Jesus. Matthew records that 'the thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth.'

☩The Penitent Thief

During the crucifixion, one thief underwent a remarkable change. The darkness at noon awed him, and the divine patience and meekness of Jesus touched him deeply. He looked back upon his past life and recognized infinite evil; he looked at the man dying beside him and saw infinite compassion. He rebuked his fellow criminal, confessed that their punishment was just, and declared that Jesus had 'done nothing amiss.' His prayer, 'Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom,' was answered with Jesus's promise: 'Today shalt thou be with me in Paradise.' This thief has been seen as the first great typical instance that 'a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.'

Key verses:Luke 23:39-43

☩Traditional Names

According to ancient tradition, Demas or Dismas was the name of the penitent thief who hung on Jesus's right, while Gestas was the impenitent thief on the left.

Related Verses2 mentions

Matthew· 1 verse

27:38

Luke· 1 verse

23:32

References

1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Thieves, the Two on the Cross," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. X (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
2.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Thieves, The Two," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
3.James Orr (ed.), "Malefactor," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. V (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
4.Matthew George Easton, "Thieves, The two," in Easton's Bible Dictionary (T. Nelson and Sons, 1897).
5.John Kitto, "Thief, Penitent, on the Cross," in A Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature, vol. II (Mark H. Newman, 1845).