Topical Bible: The Death of Christ in the Company of Malefactors

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Topical Encyclopedia

The crucifixion of Jesus Christ, a pivotal event in Christian theology, is marked by His death alongside two criminals, often referred to as malefactors. This event is recorded in all four Gospels, with particular emphasis on its fulfillment of prophecy and its theological significance.

Biblical Account

The Gospel of Luke provides a detailed account of the crucifixion scene: "Two others, who were criminals, were also led away to be executed with Him" (Luke 23:32). Jesus was crucified at a place called Golgotha, meaning "Place of the Skull," and was positioned between these two criminals, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 53:12, which states, "He was numbered with the transgressors."

The Gospel of Matthew adds, "Then two robbers were crucified with Him, one on His right and one on His left" (Matthew 27:38). This positioning is significant, as it underscores the humiliation and degradation Christ endured, being treated as a common criminal despite His innocence.

Theological Significance

The presence of the malefactors highlights the depth of Christ's identification with sinful humanity. By dying among sinners, Jesus fully embraced the human condition, taking upon Himself the sins of the world. This act of ultimate humility and sacrifice is central to the Christian understanding of atonement.

The interaction between Jesus and the criminals further illuminates His mission. One of the criminals mocked Jesus, saying, "Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!" (Luke 23:39). In contrast, the other criminal rebuked him, acknowledging their just punishment and Jesus' innocence: "We are punished justly, for we are receiving what our actions deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong" (Luke 23:41). This repentant criminal then turned to Jesus, asking, "Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom" (Luke 23:42). Jesus' response, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in Paradise" (Luke 23:43), demonstrates His authority to forgive sins and grant eternal life, even in His final moments.

Prophetic Fulfillment

The crucifixion of Jesus between two criminals fulfills Old Testament prophecies and typologies. Isaiah 53:12, as mentioned, foretold that the Messiah would be "numbered with the transgressors." This fulfillment underscores the divine plan and the messianic identity of Jesus, affirming the continuity of God's redemptive work throughout Scripture.

Cultural and Historical Context

Crucifixion was a Roman method of execution reserved for the most heinous criminals, designed to be a public spectacle of shame and deterrence. By crucifying Jesus between two criminals, the Roman authorities and Jewish leaders sought to discredit His claims and diminish His influence. However, this act of degradation became the very means by which God accomplished the salvation of humanity.

Reflection in Christian Tradition

The death of Christ in the company of malefactors is a profound reflection of God's grace and mercy. It serves as a reminder that salvation is available to all, regardless of past transgressions, and that repentance and faith in Christ can lead to redemption. This narrative has been a source of hope and inspiration for countless believers, emphasizing the boundless love and forgiveness offered through Jesus Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 53:12
Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he has poured out his soul to death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 27:38
Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

How Christ Performed the Office of Redeemer in Procuring Our ...
... boundless power of divinity, and an attending company of angels ... that destruction
of the flesh will be death, it still ... 4:16); for "the dead in Christ shall rise ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 16 how christ performed.htm

Christ's Plea for Ignorant Sinners
... a single syllable would have made the whole company fall to ... understand who he was
who was thus put to death. Pilate did not know as much about Christ as we do ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/christs plea for ignorant sinners.htm

Concerning Persecution
... than others, if we have more of God's company! ... the bitterness, the other the sharpness
of his death. Christ underwent not only the blood of the cross but the ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/21 concerning persecution.htm

Crucified, Dead, and Buried. '
... the women and Mary to the Cross, and to them the protection of his guidance and
company. ... John, who, perhaps, immediately on the death of Christ, left the ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xv crucified dead and.htm

The Preacher as an Apostle.
... in the hands of the police and in the company of malefactors? ... to get on his back
and ride him to death with engagements ... and it is so even in the work of Christ. ...
/.../stalker/the preacher and his models/lecture viii the preacher as.htm

The Procession of Sorrow
... There are some who in company hold their tongues, and ... it never does, I suppose; the
scythe of death must cut ... I do beseech you, by the agonies of Christ, by his ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/the procession of sorrow.htm

Synoptical Table
... 27 ?? And there followed him a great company of people ... other, malefactors, led with
him to be put to death. ... let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the gospel of peter/synoptical table.htm

It is Time to Describe the Great and Celebrated Spectacle of ...
... Such was the company which was thought worthy to enter ... had thus abused the martyrs
of Christ, after suffering ... the severest punishment, was put to death by the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pamphilius/church history/chapter xi it is time.htm

The Lord Coming to his Temple
... They are raised by it from a death of sin, unto a ... it is written, If any man be in
Christ Jesus, he ... We read that after His ascension, a great company of priests ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 1/sermon iv the lord coming.htm

"Jesus or Barabbas. "
... unto you, Barabbas or Jesus, who is called the Christ?". ... pointing to the thieves,
"That is worthy company for the ... of the Jews, the sentence of death upon a ...
/.../stead/king of the jews/chapter viii jesus or barabbas.htm