John Calvin Commentary Luke 23:39

"And one of the malefactors that were hanged railed on him, saying, Art not thou the Christ? save thyself and us." — Luke 23:39 (ASV)

And one of the malefactors. This reproach, which the Son of God endured from the robber, obtained for us among angels the very high honor of their acknowledging us as their brothers.

But at the same time, an example of furious obstinacy is presented to us in this wretched man, since even in the midst of his torments he does not stop fiercely spewing out his blasphemies. Thus, desperate men are accustomed to take obstinate revenge for the torments they cannot avoid.²⁷⁴

And although he reproaches Christ for not being able to save either himself or others, this objection is nevertheless directed against God himself; just as wicked men, when they do not get what they want, would willingly tear God from heaven. Indeed, they ought to be brought to humility by afflictions; but this shows that the wicked heart, which no punishments can change, is as hard as iron.

²⁷⁴ “Voyans qu’ils ne peuvent eschapper les tormens, ils se vengent en s’obstinant et rongeant leur frein, comme on dit.” — “Perceiving that they cannot escape torments, they take revenge by obstinacy, and by .” — “Perceiving that they cannot escape torments, they take revenge by obstinacy, and by champing the bit, as the saying is.”, as the saying is.”