The bystanders caught the words as the thief called Jesus Lord. The tone of the repentant man arrested their attention. Those who at the foot of the cross had been quarreling over Christ's garments, and casting lots upon His vesture, stopped to listen. Their angry tones were hushed. With bated breath they looked upon Christ, and waited for the response from those dying lips.

De omkringstående opfangede ordene, da røveren kaldte Jesus Herre. Tonen i den angrende mands stemme fangede deres opmærksomhed. De samme, som ved korsets fod havde været i strid om Kristi klæder og kastet lod om hans kjortel, standsede op for at lytte. De dæmpede deres vrede stemmer. Med tilbageholdt åndedræt betragtede de Kristus og ventede på svaret fra disse døende læber.