Who were the other two men on the crosses with Jesus? They were us. You and me. They were everyone who has ever heard the name of Jesus. It's a simple story. Quite short. Twelve verses. In Luke's Gospel. And yet, it tells the story of every one of us. Let's see why it's so important that we know their story. And through them, our story.
Introduction
I've heard different things about what these two men did.
Some say they were common thieves.
Others that they were guilty of murder.
But if we read the verses for ourselves,
we'll be totally confused!
We see different words depending on the Gospel read.
Further, we see different words depending on the translation used, for instance the NIV versus the KJV versus The Message.
Even further, we see different words depending on which version of the translation, for example the 1984 NIV versus the 2010 NIV.
See what I mean? What are we supposed to make of that?
Does it matter?
Well, yes, it does. Read on to find out why.
Summary
Discusses the varying translations of the Bible that describe the two men crucified alongside Jesus, highlighting discrepancies in terms like “criminals,” “robbers,” and “transgressors” across different versions and translations.
Theological Interpretation: Explores the theological significance of these two men, suggesting they represent all of humanity and our relationship with Jesus, with one man recognizing Jesus and the other insulting him.
Greek and Hebrew Analysis: Delves into the original Greek and Hebrew words used to describe the two men, examining their meanings and implications for understanding the biblical text.
Salvation Message: Emphasizes the message of salvation, illustrating how one of the men on the cross was promised paradise by Jesus, symbolizing the hope for forgiveness and redemption through faith.
The two men crucified alongside Jesus represent a broad spectrum of sinners, reflecting the varied interpretations of their crimes across different Gospels and translations. Their stories illustrate the contrasting outcomes of salvation and rejection, with one man’s plea for remembrance leading to Jesus’ promise of paradise, while the other continues to insult Him. Ultimately, these two individuals symbolize all of humanity’s potential paths—either towards redemption through faith or away from it through denial of Christ.
What does the Bible say about the other two men on the crosses?
We begin with the 1984 NIV translation. I only included the relevant verses, since the various Gospels record much more about the crucifixion than just the verses on the other two men. I also underlined the portions giving the crimes committed
Since John didn't record anything about the other two men, let's first look at what Luke wrote, since he used a different Greek word than Matthew or Mark did.
The other two men on the crosses, as recorded by Luke. 1984 NIV translation.
The Crucifixion - Luke
23:33-43 pp — Mt 27:33-44; Mk 15:22-32; Jn 19:17-24
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Lk 23:32 Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed.
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Lk 23:39 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!”
Lk 23:40 But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? 41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”
Lk 23:42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’”
Lk 23:43 Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”
So, in English we read the word criminal. We'll circle back and see the Greek word in the original text shortly.
The other two men on the crosses, as recorded by Matthew. 1984 NIV translation.
The Crucifixion - Matthew
27:33-44 pp — Mk 15:22-32; Lk 23:33-43; Jn 19:17-24
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38 Two robbers were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. 39 Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads 40 and saying, “You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!”
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