Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Luke 23:34

"And Jesus said, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And parting his garments among them, they cast lots." — Luke 23:34 (ASV)

The presence of two criminals with Jesus emphasizes the humiliation of his execution and perhaps also his identification with sinners in his death as well as in his life. Luke’s narrative is concise and effective in presenting the brutal facts. Nor is it surprising that he, who constantly portrayed Jesus both as offering God’s grace and forgiveness to sinners (e.g., 7:40–43) and as praying, is the only one who records his prayer for the forgiveness of his executors (v.34; cf. Acts 7:60).