Luke 23:39-43

The salvation of one criminal 23:39-43

This is another incident that only Luke recorded. It reflects his interest in needy people receiving salvation from Jesus. This is such a dominant theme in Luke’s Gospel that one commentator concluded that this incident is the core of Luke’s crucifixion narrative. [Note: Ellis, p. 267.] The attitudes of the two criminals crucified with Jesus represent the two attitudes that lead to condemnation and salvation. The incident is also another testimony to Jesus’ innocence, and it presents Him as the Savior even as He was dying.