If these men were crucified with Jesus, as claimed, neither reviled him. Reason rejects the statement that a dying man, suffering unutterable agony, reviled a fellow sufferer.
363
What request did the penitent thief make of Jesus?
Luke: “And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom” ([xxiii, 42]).
Here the dying thief is represented as being familiar with a subject which the disciples themselves did not at this time comprehend.
364
What did Jesus say to the thief?
“Today shalt thou be with me in paradise” ([Luke xxiii, 43]).