In the context of the Bible, the term "malefactors" refers to individuals who commit crimes or engage in wrongdoing. The term is most notably used in the New Testament, particularly in the account of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The Berean Standard Bible provides a clear depiction of this term in its scriptural context.

Biblical References:

1. Luke 23:32-33 : "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."

In this passage, the term "criminals" is synonymous with "malefactors." These individuals were condemned to death alongside Jesus, highlighting the gravity of their offenses under Roman law. The crucifixion scene underscores the fulfillment of prophecy and the innocence of Christ, who was crucified among transgressors.

2. Luke 23:39-41 : "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.'"

Here, the dialogue between the two malefactors reveals contrasting attitudes towards Jesus. One malefactor mocks Jesus, while the other acknowledges his own guilt and recognizes Jesus' innocence. This interaction illustrates the theme of repentance and the recognition of divine justice.

Theological Significance:

The presence of malefactors at the crucifixion of Jesus serves several theological purposes. Firstly, it fulfills the prophecy found in Isaiah 53:12, which states that the Messiah would be "numbered with the transgressors." This fulfillment emphasizes the role of Jesus as the suffering servant who bears the sins of many.

Secondly, the account of the penitent malefactor, often referred to as the "good thief," provides a powerful example of repentance and faith. Despite his past crimes, his acknowledgment of Jesus' righteousness and his plea for mercy ("Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom" · Luke 23:42) demonstrate the possibility of redemption even at the final hour. Jesus' response, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in Paradise" (Luke 23:43), affirms the promise of salvation to those who believe.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the Roman Empire, crucifixion was a common method of execution reserved for the most serious offenders, including slaves, rebels, and criminals. The term "malefactor" in the biblical narrative reflects the Roman perspective on law and order, where such individuals were seen as threats to societal stability.

The inclusion of malefactors in the crucifixion narrative also serves to highlight the stark contrast between human justice and divine grace. While human systems of justice condemned these men to death, the grace of God, as demonstrated through Jesus' interaction with the penitent malefactor, offers forgiveness and eternal life.

Moral and Ethical Implications:

The account of the malefactors challenges readers to consider their own attitudes towards sin, justice, and mercy. It invites reflection on the nature of true repentance and the transformative power of faith in Christ. The narrative encourages believers to seek forgiveness and to extend grace to others, recognizing that all have sinned and are in need of redemption.

In summary, the biblical account of the malefactors at the crucifixion of Jesus provides profound insights into the themes of justice, repentance, and salvation. Through the lens of these individuals, the narrative underscores the depth of God's mercy and the hope of redemption available to all who turn to Christ in faith.

The Two Malefactors. Lk 23:39-43
... LUKE Hymn 110 The two malefactors. Lk 23:39-43. John Newton 7,7,7,7. The two
malefactors. Lk 23:39-43. Sovereign grace has pow'r alone. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/olney hymns/hymn 110 the two malefactors.htm

And Jesus Went Forth Out of the Pr??torium, and the Two ...
... And Jesus went forth out of the pr??torium, and the two malefactors with Him.? And
Jesus went forth out of the pr??torium, and the two malefactors with Him. ...
/.../unknown/the gospel of nicodemus /chapter 10 and jesus went.htm

The Gospel According to Peter.
... God. 4 And they brought two malefactors, and they crucified the Lord between
them. But he held his peace, as though having no pain. ...
/.../unknown/the gospel of peter/the gospel according to peter.htm

Words from the Cross
... 'And when they were come to the place which is called Calvary, there they crucified
Him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/words from the cross.htm

H. The Crucifixion. Ch. 23:26-38
... 32 And there were also two others, malefactors, led with him to be put to
death. 33 And when they came unto the place which is called ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/h the crucifixion ch 23 26-38.htm

And when Pilate Heard this Saying, He Took Jesus Out...
... [24] [3566] And they brought with Jesus two others of the malefactors, [3567] to
be put to death. ... [3566] Luke 23:32. [3567] Or, others, malefactors. ...
/.../hogg/the diatessaron of tatian/section li and when pilate.htm

Of the Derision Ascribed to the Robbers, and of the Question ...
... For Luke's narrative runs thus: "And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed
on Him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us." [1430] And then ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter xvi of the derision ascribed.htm

The Crucifixion.
... he would not drink. There they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on
the right hand and the other on the left. And Jesus said ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/the crucifixion.htm

Synoptical Table
... 32 And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death. ... 10
And they brought two malefactors, and they crucified the Lord between them. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the gospel of peter/synoptical table.htm

The Crucifixion.
... b 27 And ^a 38 Then are there crucified { ^b they crucify} ^a with him ^d two others,
^c the malefactors, ^a robbers, one on the right hand, and one { ^c the ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cxxxiii the crucifixion 2.htm

Malefactors (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Malefactors (3 Occurrences). Luke 23:32 And there were
also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death. (KJV ASV DBY WBS) ...
/m/malefactors.htm - 7k

Crucifixion (4 Occurrences)
... He was crucified between two "malefactors" (Isaiah 53:12; Luke 23:32), and was watched
by a party of four soldiers (John 19:23; Matthew 27:36, 54), with their ...
/c/crucifixion.htm - 11k

Leg (24 Occurrences)
... it is distinctly stated that the legs of Jesus were not broken, that His sufferings
on the cross might be extended, while the two malefactors crucified with ...
/l/leg.htm - 19k

Insultingly (1 Occurrence)
... Insultingly (1 Occurrence). Luke 23:39 Now one of the malefactors who had been hanged
spoke insultingly to him, saying, Art not thou the Christ? ...
/i/insultingly.htm - 6k

Thieves (25 Occurrences)
... of Barabbas. Our Lord's cross was placed between those of the "malefactors,"
to add to the ignominy of his position. According to ...
/t/thieves.htm - 14k

Railed (6 Occurrences)
... Luke 23:39 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying,
If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. (KJV ASV WBS RSV). ...
/r/railed.htm - 8k

Evildoers (46 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia EVIL-DOERS. ev'-l-doo'-erz mere`im; from ra`-a`;
kakopoios, always plural: Malefactors or offenders of God's law. ...
/e/evildoers.htm - 18k

Evil-doers (122 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia EVIL-DOERS. ev'-l-doo'-erz mere`im; from ra`-a`;
kakopoios, always plural: Malefactors or offenders of God's law. ...
/e/evil-doers.htm - 33k

Myrrh (22 Occurrences)
... This drugged wine was probably partaken of by the two malefactors, but when the
Roman soldiers pressed it upon Jesus "he received it not" (Mark 15:23). ...
/m/myrrh.htm - 18k

Maleleel (1 Occurrence)

/m/maleleel.htm - 7k

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