Why is the account of the two robbers crucified with Jesus different in Luke than they are in Matthew and Mark?

The account of the two robbers in Luke 23:39-43 differs from that of Matthew 27:38,44 and Mark 15:27,32. In fact, Matthew and Mark's gospels say both of the robbers reviled him/heaped insults upon him. Luke's gospel records the conversation that took place between the two robbers and Jesus as one robber reviling Jesus while the other admits his sins and asks Jesus for mercy. How can these passages be reconciled? What is the proper interpretation of these passages?

Luke 23:39 - 43

NIV - ³⁹ One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the Messiah? Save yourself and us! ⁴⁰ But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence?

Clarify • Share • Report • Asked January 27 2014 • Jordan Fuller