Malefactors (Criminals)

The two men crucified with Jesus are introduced in Luke as criminals — anonymous figures whose presence frames the central cross between two outer ones. The scene's vocabulary is sparse and the dramatic exchange that later tradition associates with the pair is not part of the UPDV text at this point.

Two Criminals at the Skull

Luke names them only by category. "And there were also two others, criminals, led with him to be put to death" (Lu 23:32). They share the procession, the verdict, and the place of execution: "And when they came to the place which is called The skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on the right and one on the left" (Lu 23:33). The geometry is fixed at once — Jesus in the middle, a criminal on each side.

The narrative around them holds three layers of mockery. The garments are divided by lot, and the public watches: "And parting his garments among them, they cast lots. And the people stood watching" (Lu 23:34). The rulers mock with a theological taunt: "And the rulers also scoffed at him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if this is the Christ of God, his chosen" (Lu 23:35). The soldiers mock with the imperial taunt and the offered vinegar: "And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, offering him vinegar, and saying, If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself" (Lu 23:36-37). The titulus seals the charge: "And there was also a superscription over him, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS" (Lu 23:38).

The two criminals are present throughout but speak no recorded line in the UPDV text at this point. They are the witnesses on either side, sharing his death without being given speech of their own.