Who was the thief on the cross beside Jesus?

Historical Context

Crucifixion in the Roman Empire served not only as a method of execution but also as a public deterrent. It was often reserved for those guilty of serious crimes such as insurrection, rebellion, or banditry. The two men crucified alongside Jesus would have been viewed by the local community and the Roman authorities as lawbreakers deserving capital punishment. The Gospels present these two individuals to highlight the stark contrast in responses to Jesus’ identity and, ultimately, His redemptive work.

Biblical References

The clearest descriptions of these two criminals appear in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke:

• Matthew 27:38 states: “Two robbers were crucified with Him, one on His right hand and the other on His left.”

• Mark 15:27 similarly identifies them: “They crucified two robbers with Him, one on His right and one on His left.”

• Luke 23:39–43 offers the most detail about their interaction with Jesus:

“(39) One of the criminals who hung there heaped abuse on Him. ‘Are You not the Christ?’ he said. ‘Save Yourself and us!’

(40) But the other one rebuked him, saying, ‘Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same judgment?

(41) We are punished justly, for we are receiving what our actions deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.’

(42) Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom!’

(43) And Jesus said to him, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.’”

These references confirm that there were two criminals crucified with Jesus and that one of them responded in faith, appealing to Jesus for mercy.

Identification and Character

Scripture does not supply the name of the repentant thief. Extra-biblical tradition, found in later writings such as the apocryphal Gospel of Nicodemus, refers to him as “Dismas,” but these accounts are not part of the canonical Scriptures. The Bible simply describes him as a criminal guilty of wrongdoing, who acknowledged the justice of his punishment. Luke’s account underscores his humility: “We are punished justly, for we are receiving what our actions deserve” (Luke 23:41). In this candid admission, he demonstrated remorse and recognized Jesus’ innocence.

The other man, on the opposite side of Jesus, is portrayed as continuing to mock and insult Christ, demanding to be saved from immediate physical death without showing repentance of heart. This contrast draws attention to the two divergent routes one can take in response to Jesus: rejection or acceptance.

Interaction with Jesus

When the penitent thief turned to Jesus and said, “Remember me when You come into Your kingdom!” (Luke 23:42), he expressed faith that Jesus was more than a mere teacher or political figure—he believed Jesus was King and possessed a kingdom beyond this life.

Jesus’ reply—“Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43)—demonstrated several profound truths. First, Jesus has authority over God’s kingdom and can grant a place in it. Second, forgiveness and salvation come through faith, not by works. At that moment, the repentant thief had no opportunity to perform religious duties or prove his devotion by any human measure. His surrender and trust in Christ alone revealed God’s grace in action.

Theological Significance

1. Salvation by Grace Through Faith

The thief’s final confession epitomizes the biblical teaching that salvation is a gift of grace for those who believe (cf. Ephesians 2:8–9). Even in his last moments, he was welcomed into fellowship with Christ.

2. Christ’s Kingship and Authority

The repentant thief’s request implied that Jesus was more than a victim of injustice—He was (and is) the eternal King able to grant eternal life. This accords with the broader New Testament witness which proclaims Jesus’ lordship and His sovereign rule beyond death.

3. Immediate Entrance to Paradise

By assuring the thief of a place in Paradise “today,” Jesus indicates that believers who die in faith enter immediately into God’s presence. This scene offers comfort and hope that, though earthly life may be fraught with suffering, ultimate rest and fellowship with the Lord are guaranteed to those who trust in Him.

Apocryphal Traditions and Historical Footnotes

Certain non-canonical writings and later Christian traditions offer additional details, often assigning the thief a name or elaborating upon his backstory. However, these accounts have no direct confirmation in Scripture. The Gospels’ omission of his name suggests that the central message is his transformation through faith, not the specifics of his life history.

From an archaeological and historical standpoint, crucifixion remains have been discovered in the region of Judea (e.g., the first-century remains of a crucifixion victim named Yehohanan), confirming the practice described in the Gospels. Manuscript evidence for the Gospel accounts—from early papyri (like P^75) to later codices (like Codex Sinaiticus and Codex Vaticanus)—consistently includes the account of the two criminals. These findings support that the narrative of the thieves on the cross has strong historical roots, rather than being a late addition or textual corruption.

Practical Implications and Lessons

The penitent thief teaches that no one is beyond redemption if they genuinely turn to Christ. His moment of clarity, repentance, and faith on the cross reveals how God’s grace triumphs over human guilt and shame. This resonates with believers who see their own need for mercy in his brief but powerful declaration.

Moreover, the contrast with the other thief highlights how two individuals can witness the same Savior, the same signs, and the same events, yet respond differently. Even in the face of imminent death, one man’s heart remained hardened while the other’s was softened by divine grace.

Conclusion

The thief on the cross beside Jesus stands as a potent historical and theological figure who witnessed Christ’s sacrificial death at close range. While Scripture leaves many details about his life unrevealed, it clearly presents his repentance and acceptance of Jesus’ kingship. His story offers a vivid illustration of the central Christian belief that salvation comes to anyone who sincerely acknowledges their guilt and trusts in the crucified and risen Savior. The thief’s testimony is a timeless reminder of the power of Jesus’ grace—available in every moment to those who call upon His name.