# The Two Malefactors explained — Olney Hymns

> Chapter companion for Olney Hymns by John Newton.

## What happens

This poem contrasts the responses of the two thieves crucified alongside Jesus. One blasphemes and perishes in unbelief, while the other, touched by grace, repents and asks Jesus to remember him. Jesus promises him paradise, demonstrating the power of sovereign grace to soften the hardest heart and the danger of rejecting the gospel.

## Themes in this chapter

### Grace and Unmerited Favor

The poem emphasizes that sovereign grace alone can subdue a heart of stone, and the penitent thief receives grace in his time of need.

### Faith and Trust in Christ

The penitent thief exercises faith to own the Lord, contrasting with the unbelief of the hardened thief.

## Character check-ins

### Jesus Christ

Crucified between two transgressors; responds to the penitent thief with a promise of paradise.

### The Thief

The penitent malefactor who, touched by grace, acknowledges his danger and prays to Jesus, receiving assurance of paradise.

### The Harlot

Not present in this chapter; included as a contrast to the penitent thief's faith.

## Key lines

> Sovereign grace has power alone To subdue a heart of stone; And the moment grace is felt, Then the hardest heart will melt.

Only God's sovereign grace can soften a stubborn heart, and as soon as it is experienced, even the most unyielding person becomes tender.

_The opening stanza highlights the transformative power of grace._

> But the other, touch’d with grace, Saw the danger of his case— Faith received to own the Lord, Whom the scribes and priests abhorr’d.

The other thief, moved by grace, recognized his peril and believed in Jesus, even though the religious leaders despised him.

_Contrasts the penitent thief's faith with the rejection by the religious establishment._

> “Lord,” he pray’d, “remember me When in glory thou shalt be!” “Soon with me,” the Lord replies, “Thou shalt rest in paradise.”

The thief prayed, 'Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom,' and Jesus answered, 'Today you will be with me in paradise.'

_The central exchange between the penitent thief and Jesus, showing immediate salvation._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/110-the-two-malefactors
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters