This article will examine the reasons why were Gestas and Dismas crucified and the significance of their roles in the story of Jesus’ death.

Why were Gestas and Dismas crucified alongside Jesus?

The crucifixion of Jesus Christ is one of the most well-known stories in history. However, not as many people know about the two criminals who were also crucified alongside Jesus. These two men, named Gestas and Dismas, have a unique story of their own and played a crucial role in the crucifixion of Jesus.

Why were Gestas and Dismas crucified? They were both criminals who were sentenced to death by crucifixion. According to the Bible, they were both criminals crucified alongside Jesus. Gestas and Dismas were not just criminals; they were considered notorious criminals who had committed heinous crimes.

Gestas is derived from the Greek word “gestation,” which means “born out of wedlock.” He is often referred to as the “thief on the left” and was considered the worst criminal. He was known for his violent nature and reputation as a ruthless criminal.

On the other hand, Dismas is referred to as the “thief on the right” and is believed to have been a repentant criminal. According to tradition, he was a robber who had converted to Christianity and repented of his sins. He was known for his humility and was considered a man of great faith.

Why were Gestas and Dismas crucified?

Gestas and Dismas were both sentenced to death by crucifixion for their crimes. This was a common form of punishment for criminals during the time of Jesus. Crucifixion was a slow and painful death, and it was considered to be the most severe form of punishment.

Gestas, the “thief on the left,” was crucified for his crimes. He was known for his violent nature and reputation as a ruthless criminal. Had committed numerous crimes and was considered a danger to society. He was sentenced to death by crucifixion to remove him from society and serve as a warning to others.

But, Dismas, the “thief on the right,” was also sentenced to death by crucifixion. However, his reasons for crucifixion are different from Gestas. According to tradition, he was a robber who had converted to Christianity and repented of his sins. He had turned his life around and was considered a changed man. However, he was still sentenced to death for his past crimes and was crucified alongside Jesus.

The Good and the Unrepentant Thief: The Same Two Men on the Same Cross

According to the Gospel of Luke, two other men died at the same time as Our Blessed Lord on the cross, one on each side of Him. The “Good Thief” on Christ’s right and the “Unrepentant Thief” to His left have both come to be identified as thieves in the faith.

While the names of the Good Thief and the Unrepentant Thief are not mentioned in the Gospels, according to tradition, those names were Saint Dismas and Gestas, respectively.

Although both men were in Christ’s presence and were through the same terrible death, their responses to their circumstances are very different. Our Lord is mocked by Gestas, who asks, “Are You not the Messiah? Save both you and us. (Lk. 23:39) Gestas requests to leave the cross.

Dismas, however, does not want to be removed. Instead, Dismas reprimands Gestas and declares Christ’s innocence while, in one of the most astonishing and moving passages in the Gospel, refusing to ask to be lifted from his certain and torturous death. Instead, he begs to be raised with Christ, pleading with Him to think of him when He enters His kingdom. (Lk 23:42). “Amen, I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise,” Jesus responds to Saint Dismas.

The One Man Who Is Always In the Right Place: Dismas

Maybe Dismas also was in the wrong place at the wrong time. He got off on the wrong foot when he first started. He mixed with the incorrect crowd. His circumstances prompted him to make some difficult decisions, which propelled him into a life of crime.

Above all else, there is one thing about him that we shouldn’t assume about. This criminal accepts both Jesus and himself for who they are. His sinful existence has brought him to the point when he meets the crucified God. A lifetime of choices results in a justifiable punishment for which he is killed.

If you are at peace with your ultimate destiny, death is not as terrifying as passing away. What if your life had been described as harmful, criminal, or murderous? When facing the future, you’d either be resigned or wide-eyed and insane. In the Gospel, all we hear is a brief prayer. “Jesus, remember me in your kingdom.” There is no baptism in this location, as human history is changing.

Not at all; come witness discipleship. For a guy who has never experienced peace, there is just peace. Jesus grants eternal life to a man who has nothing to offer, even in death. Dismas points out that they were hanging together and shared the same fate.

The Crucifixion: A Common Punishment in Ancient Rome? 

Why were Gestas and Dismas crucified? The bandits in the ancient Roman world were not like other criminals. If they were discovered, they would receive severe justice (i.e., judgment against them was declared on the spot). The punishments included being crucified, burned alive, or thrown to wild animals in the theater.

Crucifixion was a relatively uncommon punishment in the Roman Empire, further suggesting that the men crucified alongside Jesus were not simply common thieves but bandits or brigands. Even though Christian scholars have held up this punishment throughout history as an example of the brutality with which the Romans punished Christ, it was quite a common punishment in the ancient world.

Also, in the Roman Empire, banditry was common, and the men who engaged in it belonged to the same insurgent group who, as was frequently the case with bandits in pre-modern society, wanted to oust Roman control.

Why were Gestas and Dismas crucified, and what were their roles in the crucifixion of Jesus

Gestas and Dismas played a crucial role in the crucifixion of Jesus. They were not just two criminals who were crucified alongside Jesus but also symbols of the human condition. They represented the two sides of human nature – evil and good.

Gestas, the “thief on the left,” represented the evil side of human nature. He was a ruthless criminal who had committed numerous crimes. He was a symbol of sin and evil, and his crucifixion served as a reminder of the consequences of sin.

Also, Dismas, the “thief on the right,” represented the good side of human nature. He was a repentant criminal who had turned his life around and repented his sins. He was a symbol of redemption and hope, and his crucifixion reminded him of the possibility of forgiveness and salvation.

In the crucifixion of Jesus, Gestas and Dismas played a significant role in the story.