His request that Jesus remember him was a call for salvation. He claimed nothing deserving of Jesus" mercy but simply asked for grace in spite of His guilt. It anticipated a distant time when Jesus would return, raise the righteous dead, and establish His kingdom on the earth. The man"s view of Messiah was that He was divine, not just a present political deliverer. Evidently this man had heard Jesus" teachings about the kingdom. [source][source][source]
". . . the second criminal is a perceptive person who contrasts sharply with the imperceptive people who are calling on Jesus to save himself.... [source][source][source]
"The criminal is the last person who turns to Jesus for help during Jesus" ministry; he is also the one person who understands and accepts the path which Jesus must follow to fulfill God"s purpose: through death to enthronement at God"s right hand." [1][source]
Context Summary
Luke 23:35-46 - Saving Others By Not Saving Himself
Rulers, soldiers, and malefactors all heaped their insults on the dying Lord, little realizing that they were all included in the great love which was pouring itself out as the propitiation for the sins of the whole world. It may be that we shall have to share the same opprobrium, if we drink of His cup and are baptized with His baptism. But God will do for us as He did for Jesus; He will not leave our soul in the grave nor suffer His own to see corruption, Psalms 16:10.
The signs of renewal, wrought in the heart of the penitent thief, showed the sure work of the Holy Spirit. These were the fear of God, the sense of justice in His suffering, the confession of evil deeds, the recognition of our Lord's sinlessness and dignity, and the anticipation of His coming Kingdom. We may begin a day under the dull skies of earth and close it where there is no need of sun or moon. See Philippians 1:23; 2 Corinthians 5:6. For the rent veil, see Hebrews 10:20. Dying saints have often passed home with our Lord's last words on their lips, Psalms 31:5; Acts 7:59. [source]
Chapter Summary: Luke 23
1Jesus is accused before Pilate, and sent to Herod 8Herod mocks him 12Herod and Pilate become friends 13Barabbas is desired of the people, 24and is released by Pilate, and Jesus is given to be crucified 26He tells the women, that lament him, the destruction of Jerusalem; 34prays for his enemies 39Two criminals are crucified with him 46His death 50His burial
Greek Commentary for Luke 23:42
In thy kingdom [εις την βασιλειαν σου] Probably no difference in sense is to be found, for εις eis and εν en are essentially the same preposition. He refers to the Messianic rule of Jesus and begs that Jesus will remember him. It is not clear whether he hopes for immediate blessing or only at the judgment. [source]
Into thy kingdom [] Some texts read for εἰς , into, ἐν , in. So Rev. In that case we must understand, “in thy kingly glory.” [source]
What do the individual words in Luke 23:42 mean?
Andhe was sayingJesusremembermewhenYou comeintothekingdomof You
Greek Commentary for Luke 23:42
Probably no difference in sense is to be found, for εις eis and εν en are essentially the same preposition. He refers to the Messianic rule of Jesus and begs that Jesus will remember him. It is not clear whether he hopes for immediate blessing or only at the judgment. [source]
Some texts read for εἰς , into, ἐν , in. So Rev. In that case we must understand, “in thy kingly glory.” [source]