So much has been written and spoken regarding these last words of Jesus. They are extremely important to our theology! The placement of the comma is critical in determining the meaning and theology. I propose that the real intent of Jesus can be discovered without studying the volumes produced debating the grammar usage for the comma placement. Few have taken into account that when a person is gasping for air, dying of asphyxiation, that there words are going to be stuttered, abbreviated, pausing, and just not like an everyday conversation. So let's try to solve the problem of where the comma goes (before the word "today" or after the word "today"). So let's try to solve the meaning by theology as opposed to studying Greek usage. I believe it is doable. Let us engage the highly meaningful and controversial conversation between the good thief and Jesus while they were dying on the cross.

One of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, "Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!" But the other answered, and rebuking him said, "Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? "And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong." And he was saying, "Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!" And He said to him, "Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise." (Luke 23:39-43)

Most suppose that Paradise is located in Hades and is equivalent to "Abraham's Bosom" as Jesus described in Luke 16. Do you agree?

Would not Adam be in this population of O.T. saints?

Is Jesus word "Paradise" equivalent to the Garden of Eden?

If Adam was in this population in Abraham's Bosom could he "regain Paradise" upon death?

Please start the conversation.