![]() Roman citizens and the upper classes were usually spared this cruel and torturous form of judgment. Execution by crucifixion served as a sober deterrent for similar behavior from others. These two men were violent, hardened criminals whom Rome considered a threat to their control. ![]() The Greek word used by Matthew and Mark includes the idea of “plundering by violence.” And Luke’s word choice suggests a person who is an “evil-doer.” The two different Greek words used in the Gospels to describe them can be translated as thieves, robbers, criminals, malefactors, revolutionaries, and rebels. ![]() The words Scripture uses to describe these men give us some insight into who they were and why they were crucified. Although the Bible doesn’t tell us much about them, we can learn from them. We don’t often contemplate the men crucified with Jesus – the criminals on Jesus’ right and left. On the other crosses hung two thieves, condemned to die for their own crimes. Jesus hung on the middle cross, willing to take the punishment we deserved. On that first Good Friday, three crosses stood on Golgotha.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |