John Calvin Commentary Matthew 27:38

"Then are there crucified with him two robbers, one on the right hand and one on the left." — Matthew 27:38 (ASV)

Then were crucified with him two robbers. It was the finishing stroke of the lowest disgrace when Christ was executed between two robbers; for they assigned him the most prominent place, as if he had been the prince of robbers. If he had been crucified apart from the other criminals, there might have appeared to be a distinction between his case and theirs; but now he is not only grouped with them, but lifted up high, as if he had been by far the most detestable of all.

For this reason, Mark applies to him the prediction of Isaiah 53:12: he was reckoned among transgressors; for the prophet expressly says concerning Christ that he will deliver his people, not by pomp and splendor, but because he will endure the punishment due to their sins.

So that he might free us from condemnation, this kind of expiation was necessary: that he might place himself in our place. Here we perceive how dreadful is the weight of the wrath of God against sins, to appease which it became necessary that Christ, who is eternal justice, should be ranked with robbers.

We also see the inestimable love of Christ towards us, who, so that he might admit us to the society of the holy angels, permitted himself to be classed as one of the wicked.