More on paradise

Just to add to Phil's wonderful post, a couple of further points that help with the thief on the cross passage. First of all the context! The thief asked Jesus to remember him when He came in His kingdom - the thief's understanding and expectation was that the kingdom was to be established at a time future to him. This then helps with the next point. The thief asks Jesus to remember him at this future time. Allow me to paraphrase Jesus' reply: "Remember you when I come? I'll remember you NOW. You will be with me in paradise.