First is who were the two malefactors that were crucified along with Jesus, if who they were doesn't matter, then neither would my interpretation that they were the two witnesses who testified against him...
59 Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death;
60 But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses,
Matt 26:59-60
So if Jesus didn't go to the heart of the earth, as suggested by scripture
39 But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:
40 For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.
Matt 12:39-40
Then either the heart of the earth is paradise, or the malefactor was in paradise while hanging out with Jesus.
28 Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.
John 8:28
Or Jesus was crucified according to the prophecy of the high priest that he should die for the nation, and to gather the people into one, which basically says nothing about his being resurrected.
9 And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all,
50 Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.
51 And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation;
52 And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.
53 Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death.
John 11:49-53
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