What is the context?
One of the criminals joins the abuse directed at Jesus and calls on Him to save Himself and them. The other challenges him, acknowledges that their own punishment is deserved and declares that Jesus has done nothing wrong.
He then asks Jesus to remember him when He comes into His kingdom. Jesus answers with the promise that he will be with Him in Paradise. Even while facing death, Jesus speaks as the One who can welcome this man into life with Him.
The Greek word is παράδεισος, paradeisos (pah-RAH-day-soss). Thayer traces its use from a garden or park to the blessed dwelling of God’s people. Its other New Testament uses are Paul’s account of being caught up to Paradise and Jesus’ promise of the tree of life in God’s Paradise. (Thayer, Greek 3857; 2 Corinthians 12:2–4; Revelation 2:7)
How is this passage commonly understood?
Christian readings commonly see repentance, faith and Jesus’ mercy in this exchange. Wesley emphasizes the man’s acknowledgment of sin, defense of Jesus and trust in His kingdom. (Wesley on Luke 23:39–43)
Traditions differ over the timing of the promised life with Christ. The Catholic Catechism cites Jesus’ words to this man when teaching about a person’s destiny immediately after death. Reformed teaching in Westminster likewise holds that the righteous are with God after death while awaiting bodily resurrection. Wesley reads Jesus as promising the man a place with Him that very day. (Catechism §§1021–1022; Westminster Confession 32.1; Wesley on Luke 23:43)
Seventh-day Adventist teaching holds that the dead are unconscious until resurrection. An explanation published by its Biblical Research Institute reads the reference to today as emphasizing when Jesus gives the promise, with life in Paradise fulfilled after resurrection. That is the author’s explanation within the church’s stated teaching about death. The BSB text printed above retains its own wording and punctuation. (Adventist Belief 26; Biblical Research Institute, What Jesus Told the Thief)
Where does this fit in God's plan?
The promise of Paradise reaches into the Bible’s larger story of life with God. Genesis describes humanity losing access to the tree of life after sin. Revelation promises the tree of life in God’s Paradise and finally pictures God’s people seeing His face, with the curse removed. These passages form a supported connection between the hope Jesus gives this dying man and God’s purpose to restore His people to life in His presence. (Genesis 3:22–24; Revelation 2:7; Revelation 22:1–5)
The center of Jesus’ promise is being with Him. The criminal asks to be remembered in the kingdom, and Jesus gives personal assurance of belonging with its King. His saving work reaches a guilty man who turns to Him while both are facing death.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.