The crucifixion of Jesus is one of the most well-known events in human history. Christians believe that Jesus was crucified alongside two criminals. However, the identities of these two individuals are not definitively known. This has led to much speculation over the centuries about who these men were and what crimes they had committed to warrant crucifixion alongside Jesus.
The Biblical Accounts
The four canonical gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) all describe Jesus as being crucified between two criminals or “robbers” (λῃσταὶ in Greek). For example:
- Matthew 27:38 – “Then two rebels were crucified with Him, one on the right and one on the left.”
- Mark 15:27 – “With Him they crucified two robbers, one on His right and one on His left.”
- Luke 23:32-33 – “Two others, both criminals, were led out to be executed with Him. When they came to a place called The Skull, they crucified Him there, along with the criminals, one on His right and the other on His left.”
- John 19:18 – “There they crucified Him and two others with Him, one on either side, with Jesus in the middle.”
As you can see, the gospel writers clearly describe two other individuals being crucified alongside Jesus but do not provide their names or background. They are simply labeled as “criminals” or “robbers.”
Barabbas
Many Biblical scholars over the years have theorized that Barabbas may have actually been the one crucified alongside Jesus instead of just being released. Here are some key points about Barabbas and his potential crucifixion:
- Barabbas was released instead of Jesus by Pilate during Passover per the custom of releasing a prisoner (Matthew 27:15-26, Mark 15:6-15, Luke 23:18-25, John 18:40).
- Barabbas was arrested for taking part in an insurrection and murder (Mark 15:7, Luke 23:19, John 18:40).
- Releasing a high-profile criminal like Barabbas back to the streets may have been too risky.
- Having Barabbas take Jesus’ place on the cross would add another layer of symbolic meaning to the crucifixion story.
The theory goes that Barabbas may have initially been slated for crucifixion alongside the two criminals, but was temporarily released when Jesus took his place. After Jesus was sent to be crucified, Barabbas may have then been quickly returned to the cross to fulfill his original sentence.
This would explain why there is no account of what happened to Barabbas after his release. However, it is simply a theory based on analysis of the texts. There is no definitive evidence placing Barabbas at Golgotha.
Dismas and Gestas
In the Gospel of Nicodemus, an apocryphal text from the 4th century, the two criminals are given the names Dismas and Gestas. Some key details:
- Dismas is the criminal who repents and asks Jesus to remember him in paradise.
- Gestas is unrepentant and mocks Jesus on the cross.
- Dismas is later promised entry to Heaven by Jesus for his faith.
- Gestas is condemned to eternal punishment in Hell for his lack of faith.
Dismas and Gestas are sometimes portrayed in artworks depicting the crucifixion. However, the Gospel of Nicodemus is not considered a canonical or historically reliable source regarding the crucifixion. The names Dismas and Gestas do not appear in any of the four canonical gospels.
Crucifixion Practices
Looking at typical Roman crucifixion practices can provide some possible clues about who these men were:
- Crucifixion was reserved for the worst criminals like pirates, violent robbers, and those guilty of sedition against the state.
- Victims were often crucified in public places like busy roads to set an example and act as a warning to others.
- Having Jesus crucified alongside criminals, even if he was innocent, added a layer of social stigma and shame.
- Romans sometimes crucified groups of people simultaneously as a collective punishment and demonstration of power after suppressing rebellions.
Based on this, many scholars believe the two criminals were likely:
- Violent rebels involved in armed sedition against Rome.
- Robbers or murderers known for terrorizing the populace.
- People perceived as threats to law and order in the eyes of the Romans.
They were chosen not just because they committed capital crimes, but also to send a message about what happens to those who defy Roman authority. Their public crucifixion along a major route like Via Dolorosa warned people entering Jerusalem what fate awaited enemies of Rome. Having Jesus crucified next to them, even though he was innocent, associated him with the most wretched criminals in the eyes of the public.
Potential Identities
Scholars have speculated about who these two criminals may have actually been over the centuries. Here are some of the proposed identities that have been put forward:
Revolutionaries
Some theorists propose the criminals were Jewish rebels involved in revolutionary activity against the Romans. Two possibilities raised are:
- Simon of Peraea – A former slave of Herod the Great who led a revolt that burned down the royal palace in Jericho.
- Athronges – A shepherd turned rebel leader who led the Sicarii in armed uprisings before being defeated by the Romans.
Having Simon or Athronges crucified next to Jesus would have branded him as a violent revolutionary in the eyes of Roman authorities and observers.
Bandits
Others speculate they were robbers and brigands who committed crimes in the wilderness:
- Titus and Alexander – Two bandit brothers mentioned by ancient Jewish historian Josephus as being crucified under command of Procurator Antonius Felix.
- The Egyptian Prophet – An unnamed Egyptian mentioned in Acts 21:38 who led a band of Sicarii assassins before being defeated by Roman troops.
Branding Jesus with bandits would have associated him with lawless behavior and chaos in the eyes of both the Jewish priests and Roman officials.
Obscure Criminals
A third possibility is that they were simply two ordinary criminals slated for crucifixion on that day:
- Their names lost to history.
- Guilty of crimes like theft, murder or revolt.
- Chosen at random to make an example out of.
If this is true, the two criminals highlight how Christ saved people from all walks of life – from saints to sinners.
Significance for Christianity
Regardless of their exact identities, the two criminals play an important role in the theological narrative of Jesus’ crucifixion:
- They represent how both the wicked and the righteous were present at Golgotha.
- Dismas (the repentant criminal) shows how faith in Christ can lead to salvation even at the end of one’s life.
- Gestas (the unrepentant criminal) represents someone presented with the truth of Christ but rejecting the chance for redemption.
- Their reactions to Jesus highlight the choices available – accept salvation through faith in Christ or suffer condemnation.
This dichotomy represents the two paths available to humanity – repentance and wickedness. The criminals’ interactions with Jesus reinforce key Christian doctrines about sin, forgiveness, and the need for salvation that Christ represents.
Conclusion
While the canonical gospels do not identify the criminals crucified with Jesus, various theories have emerged about who they could have been and why they may have been chosen.
Regardless of their actual identities, the criminals play a narrative role in the crucifixion story – showcasing the redemptive power of Christ even for those stained by grievous sins. Their presence on either side of Jesus demonstrates that all of humanity, both the righteous and the wicked, were present at Calvary.
The criminal who repents highlights the promise of paradise through faith in Christ. Meanwhile, the unrepentant criminal represents someone rejecting that path to salvation. This contrast represents the choice between redemption and condemnation that the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus offers to all people, regardless of their past sins.