The Innocent Condemned
But the other one rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same judgment? Luke 23:40 · Berean Standard Bible
But the other criminal pushes back: 'Don't you fear God? We're under the same death sentence!' He sees what the religious leaders couldn't.
A dying criminal has more spiritual insight than all the priests and scholars combined. He recognizes his own guilt and Jesus' innocence.
The second criminal speaks with surprising moral clarity, rebuking mockery with the kind of humble self-awareness the religious leaders lacked.
Here's one of the most unexpected heroes in the Bible — a criminal on a cross. While everyone else mocks, he speaks up: 'Have some respect. We're dying too.' It takes real courage to speak truth when you're in your worst moment.
The other criminal apokritheis epitima (rebuking/answering strongly): 'Oude phobē sy ton theon?' (Do you not even fear God?). The phrase 'since you are under the same krima (judgment/condemnation)' appeals to their shared situation as basis for humility.
This criminal's rebuke introduces a dramatic contrast. His response demonstrates genuine theological awareness: shared condemnation should produce humility, not mockery of the only innocent person among them.
The second criminal rebukes the first, invoking the fear of God and their shared condemnation as reasons for humility rather than mockery.
From the most unexpected source comes moral clarity. A condemned criminal rebukes his fellow — 'Don't you fear God? We're in the same boat!' While religious leaders and soldiers mock, a dying thief has the spiritual discernment to recognize that their shared condemnation demands humility, not hatred.
38Above Him was posted an inscription:
39One of the criminals who hung there heaped abuse on Him. “Are You not the Christ?” he said. “Save Yourself and us!”
40But the other one rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same judgment?
41We are punished justly, for we are receiving what our actions deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”
42Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom!”
Read all of Luke 23 — Pilate finds no fault. Herod finds entertainment. The crowd demands blood. And on a cross between two criminals, Jesus forgives.
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