There were "thieves" and "malefactors" - these are two different greek words !
Thieves - "lestes"
Malefactor - "kakourgos"
Matthew 27:44 tells us that the (plural) thieves (2) cast the same in his teeth.
And in Luke 23:39 tells us that "one" of the malefactors which was hanged with him railed on him"
And in Luke 23:40 it tells us that the "other" rebuked the "one" who railed on him. This "one" malefactor who did not rail on him, was the one malefactor which Jesus told would be with him in paradise.
There were four (4) crucified with Jesus !
Greetings, Hervey. While you may think that using different words makes your case for "four plus Jesus" who were crucified, there is much more to do than list the passages and words. Here is a possible
starting method.
1. Why is it that Matthew uses LHSTAI in 27:44? Does Matthew use that anywhere else? How is each use compared to this one?
2. In Luke's Gospel, why is KAKOURGWN used? How does Luke use that word in the Gospel, and then in Acts, if at all? How do the contexts affect each one?
3. Does Matthew use KAKOURGWN? Where? In relation to context? Does he ever use the two words together? If so, what is the context?
4. Does Luke use LHSTAI? In what contexts? Does Luke use both words? If so, what is the context?
5. Check a Greek concordance to see how these words relate, if they do.
6. Check standard lexicons for uses:
A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature by Bauer-Arndt-Gingrich-Danker (latest is 3rd ed.), often abbreviated BAGD.
Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament Based on Semantic Domains, 2 Volumes by Louw and Nida (often referred to as GEL or Louw-Nida)
7. Search how exegetes of the past 1900 years have understood these terms, specifically related to these texts. Are there any who have come to this conclusion? How did they do it? What sources did they use?
Now, after all this, then we can begin to discuss whether there were "two others" or four. BTW, I am not being sarcastic in this. This is a genuine issue for you. I am treating it that way.