CHAPTER 4 — PARADISE
Introduction
Among the final words spoken by Jesus before His death are some of the most comforting and mysterious words recorded in Scripture.
As one of the thieves crucified beside Him turned in faith, Jesus answered with this remarkable promise:
"And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise."
— Luke 23:43 (KJV)
This statement raises several important questions.
What is Paradise?
Is Paradise the same place as Heaven?
Was Jesus referring to Abraham's Bosom?
If Jesus had not yet ascended to the Father, where did He and the repentant thief go that day?
This chapter examines every major biblical reference to Paradise and seeks to understand its meaning through Scripture.
The Promise to the Thief
The repentant thief acknowledged Jesus as King even while both men were dying.
He prayed:
"Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom."
— Luke 23:42 (KJV)
Jesus did not promise that the man would wait centuries until the resurrection before seeing Him.
Instead, He declared:
"Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise."
— Luke 23:43 (KJV)
The emphasis is striking.
The thief would be with Christ that very day.
Wherever Paradise was, Jesus Himself would be there.
Greek Word Study — "Paradise"
The Greek word translated Paradise is:
παράδεισος (paradeisos)
Meaning:
park
enclosed garden
royal garden
place of delight
The word originally described the magnificent enclosed gardens of Persian kings.
By the time of the New Testament it had become a recognized expression for God's dwelling place of blessing.
The word itself does not describe the final New Heaven and New Earth.
Rather, it describes a place of joy, peace, and fellowship with God.
Paradise in the Old Testament
Although the Greek word does not appear in the Hebrew Old Testament, the concept of a divine garden begins in Genesis.
The Garden of Eden was humanity's first paradise.
It was the place where man walked in fellowship with God before sin entered the world.
The prophets later describe future restoration using Eden-like imagery.
Paradise therefore becomes associated with restored fellowship between God and His people.
Paradise in the New Testament
The word Paradise appears only three times in the New Testament.
Luke 23:43
Jesus promises the repentant thief immediate fellowship with Him.
2 Corinthians 12:2–4
Paul writes:
"How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter."
— 2 Corinthians 12:4 (KJV)
Paul equates Paradise with being caught into the "third heaven."
This strongly associates Paradise with God's heavenly presence.
Revelation 2:7
Jesus declares:
"To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God."
— Revelation 2:7 (KJV)
Here Paradise is connected with the Tree of Life.
This recalls Eden while pointing forward to eternal restoration.
Is Paradise Heaven?
Many Bible scholars conclude that Paradise refers to Heaven itself.
Others believe Paradise once referred to a distinct compartment where the righteous dead awaited Christ's completed work on the cross.
Both positions acknowledge that Paradise is a place of blessing in God's presence.
The primary question is whether its location or function changed after Christ's resurrection.
This question will be explored further in the next chapter concerning Abraham's Bosom.
Did Jesus Go to the Father That Day?
Some readers point to Jesus' statement to Mary after the resurrection:
"Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father."
— John 20:17 (KJV)
How can Jesus tell the thief they would be together in Paradise if He had not yet ascended to the Father?
Several explanations have been proposed.
Some distinguish Paradise from the Father's immediate throne room.
Others understand Jesus' ascension in John 20 as referring to His formal exaltation rather than His presence with the Father.
Still others see Paradise as the blessed abode of the righteous dead before Christ's resurrection.
Each interpretation seeks to harmonize all relevant passages rather than isolate one verse.
Historical Perspective
Many early Church Fathers identified Paradise with the blessed dwelling place of righteous souls awaiting the resurrection.
Among those expressing this understanding were:
Justin Martyr
Irenaeus
Tertullian
Hippolytus
Later Christian writers increasingly identified Paradise directly with Heaven itself.
Although opinions differed concerning its precise relationship to Heaven, Christians consistently understood Paradise to be a place of joy rather than punishment.
Scripture Interpreting Scripture
When all passages concerning Paradise are considered together, several truths become clear.
Scripture teaches:
Paradise is a place of blessing.
Jesus Himself is present there.
The righteous enter Paradise through Christ.
Paradise is associated with the Tree of Life.
Paradise represents restored fellowship with God.
These truths remain constant regardless of differing interpretations concerning its exact location before Christ's resurrection.
Chapter Summary
Paradise is one of Scripture's most beautiful descriptions of God's presence with His redeemed people.
Jesus promised the repentant thief immediate fellowship.
Paul described Paradise as a place beyond earthly description.
John connected Paradise with the Tree of Life and eternal restoration.
Although faithful Christians have differed concerning whether Paradise was once distinct from Heaven itself, Scripture consistently presents it as a place of peace, joy, and communion with God.
Ultimately, Paradise is not defined by its geography but by the presence of Christ.
Where Christ is, there the believer's hope rests.
Looking Ahead
The next chapter examines one of the most debated subjects in biblical theology:
Abraham's Bosom.
Was Abraham's Bosom another name for Paradise?
Was it part of Sheol?
Did Christ empty it after His resurrection?
Or is the account in Luke 16 merely a parable?
The Scriptures provide remarkable insight into one of the Bible's most discussed passages.