John Calvin Commentary Matthew 27:44

"And the robbers also that were crucified with him cast upon him the same reproach." — Matthew 27:44 (ASV)

And the robbers also. Matthew and Mark, by synecdoche, attribute to the robbers what was done by only one of them, as is evident from Luke.

This manner of expression should not be considered harsh, for the two Evangelists intended only to show that Christ was attacked on all sides by the reproaches of everyone, so that even the robbers, who were near death, did not spare him. Similarly, David, lamenting his calamities, powerfully illustrates their violence by saying that he is the reproach of all kinds of people and despised by the people.

Now, although Matthew and Mark omit the memorable narrative that Luke relates regarding the other robber, there is still no inconsistency in their statement that Christ was despised by all, even down to the robbers; for they are not speaking of specific individuals, but of the group as a whole. Therefore, let us now turn to what Luke states.