Luke 23:32 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him.

NIV: Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed.

NASB: Now two others, who were criminals, were also being led away to be put to death with Him.

CSB: Two others—criminals —were also led away to be executed with him.

NLT: Two others, both criminals, were led out to be executed with him.

KJV: And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death.

NKJV: There were also two others, criminals, led with Him to be put to death.

As Jesus walks to Golgotha to be crucified, two other men carry their crossbeams on the same march. They are lawbreakers—"malefactors" in the King James Version—who have committed serious crimes. Matthew 27:38 and Mark 15:27 say "robbers," which refers to something like a bandit or a plunderer. Luke uses a word also found in 2 Timothy 2:9, where Paul says he is bound as a criminal. Considering the sentence of crucifixion for these two men, it seems they were rebelling against Rome in some way.

Jesus being crucified with these men is a fulfilment of prophecy. The night before He told His disciples, "And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one. For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in me: 'And he was numbered with the transgressors.' For what is written about me has its fulfillment" (Luke 22:36–37). The prophecy is about the Suffering Servant:

"Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many,
and he shall divide the spoil with the strong,
because he poured out his soul to death
and was numbered with the transgressors;
yet he bore the sin of many,
and makes intercession for the transgressors" (Isaiah 53:12).

That single verse is a treasure trove of prophecy. As it relates to Luke's account, the last line is most poignant. Jesus does make intercession. One thief declares that Jesus is innocent, his words contradicting the crowd that denies Jesus is Christ. Then he asks Jesus, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." Jesus says, "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise" (Luke 23:39–43). As Jesus holds the wrath of God, He assures the thief of his reconciliation with God.

Many extra-biblical writings claim details about the lives of these two thieves. The Bible, itself, says little about them.

Luke 23:32–43 gives a living illustration of the gospel. Jewish rulers, soldiers, and one of the crucified thieves mock Jesus. He forgives them. The other thief takes advantage of Jesus' offer and asks Jesus to remember him in His kingdom; Jesus promises He will. Matthew 27:33–44, Mark 15:22–32, and John 19:17–24 give similar accounts with other details. John also describes how Jesus gives John, the son of Zebedee, responsibility for Mary (John 19:25–27).

Luke 23 records the remaining trials, death, and burial of Jesus Christ. He is examined by the Roman governor and the local appointed King, neither of whom are interested in passing a death sentence. Local religious leaders incite the crowd, pressuring the governor, Pilate, to authorize crucifixion. Jesus accepts the faith of another condemned man and dies. Joseph of Arimathea asks for Jesus body and buries it in a tomb cut from rock.

Luke 23 records Jesus' civil trials, crucifixion, and burial. The members of the Sanhedrin have put Jesus through three trials in their attempt to convince Pilate He's a threat (Luke 22:47–71). Their case is weak, but their political influence is powerful enough to force Pilate's hand. Jesus is executed. Three days after Joseph of Arimathea buries Jesus, Jesus reappears on the road to Emmaus where He explains Messianic prophecies in Jewish Scriptures. After spending time with His followers, Jesus ascends into heaven (Luke 24) and the disciples build the church (Acts).

Luke was a traveling companion of Paul (Acts 16:10) and a physician (Colossians 4:14). Unlike Matthew, Mark, and John, Luke writes his gospel as an historian, rather than as a first-hand eyewitness. His extensive writings also include the book of Acts (Acts 1:1–3). These are deliberately organized, carefully researched accounts of those events. The gospel of Luke focuses on the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. Luke's Gentile perspective presents Christ as a Savior for all people, offering both forgiveness and direction to those who follow Him.