In brief
The repentant thief is one of the two criminals crucified with Jesus at the place called the Skull, in Jerusalem. While the other insulted Jesus, he rebuked his companion, admitted that their sentence was just and that Jesus had done nothing wrong. He asked Jesus to remember him when he came into his kingdom and received the promise that he would be with Jesus in paradise that very day. His story shows that salvation is a grace received by faith, right up to the last moment.
What does the name The Repentant Thief mean?
The Bible does not give his name. Luke simply calls him one of the criminals, while Matthew and Mark speak of robbers. A later tradition, with no support in Scripture, gives him the name Dismas.
The story of The Repentant Thief
Crucified beside Jesus
Luke 23:32-33Two criminals are led away with Jesus to be put to death. At the place called the Skull, they are crucified with him, one on his right and the other on his left. Jesus is thus counted among the guilty, though he committed no sin, and it is in this place of condemnation that the conversion of one of these men takes place.
The mockery around the cross
Luke 23:34-39Jesus prays for those who crucify him, asking the Father to forgive them because they do not know what they are doing. The people watch, while the rulers and soldiers mock him. One of the criminals joins in and hurls insults at him, asking whether he is not the Christ and telling him to save himself and them.
The fear of God and a confession
Luke 23:40-41The other criminal rebukes his companion and asks whether he does not fear God, since he is under the same sentence. He admits that their punishment is just and adds, about Jesus, that this man has done nothing wrong. He confesses his sin without excuse and bears witness to the innocence of Jesus.
The prayer and the promise
Luke 23:42-43He turns to Jesus and asks him to remember him when he comes into his kingdom. He sees a king in this crucified man. Jesus answers him with a solemn promise that today he will be with him in paradise. With no works to offer, he receives the certainty of salvation by grace alone.
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What The Repentant Thief teaches us
- Salvation is a grace received by faith, not a reward earned by our works.
- It is never too late to turn to Jesus as long as we are alive.
- True repentance admits sin without looking for excuses.
- Fearing God means taking his justice seriously and seeking refuge in Christ.
- The promise of Jesus gives immediate assurance: whoever believes will be with him.
Key verses
The thief's confession: he accepts that his sentence is just and declares the innocence of Jesus. This double gaze, on his own sin and on the purity of Christ, is the heart of repentance.
A prayer of a single sentence, spoken on a cross. The thief believes Jesus will come into his kingdom, even though everything seems to say the opposite. It is a simple faith that rests entirely on the Lord.
The answer of Jesus is solemn and immediate: today. It shows that forgiveness is complete and that the believer who dies is welcomed into the presence of the Lord.
Frequently asked questions
Why did Jesus save the thief on the cross?
Because this man repented and believed. He admitted his sin, confessed the innocence of Jesus and asked him to remember him in his kingdom. Jesus demanded no works: he answered faith with the promise of paradise. It is the clearest illustration of salvation by grace.
What was the name of the good thief?
The Bible does not name him. The Gospels speak of criminals or robbers crucified with Jesus. The name Dismas comes from a later tradition, outside Scripture, and it should be treated as a legend rather than a biblical fact.
Where can I find the story of the repentant thief in the Bible?
The conversation between Jesus and the repentant thief is found only in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 23, verses 39 to 43. Matthew 27 and Mark 15 also mention the two robbers crucified with Jesus, at the time of the crucifixion.