“When the darkness had lifted from the cross, and the Saviour’s dying cry had been uttered, immediately another voice was heard, saying, “Truly this was the Son of God.” Matthew 27:54. These words were said in no whispered tones. All eyes were turned to see whence they came. Who had spoken? It was the centurion, the Roman soldier.”

Desire of Ages p.770

To Jesus in His agony on the cross there came one gleam of comfort. It was the prayer of the penitent thief… This man was not a hardened criminal; he had been led astray by evil associations, but he was less guilty than many of those who stood beside the cross… He had seen and heard Jesus, and had been convicted by His teaching, but he had been turned away from Him by the priests and rulers… In the judgment hall and on the way to Calvary he had been in company with Jesus… The conviction comes back to him that this is the Christ.”

Desire of Ages p.749
by Ellen G. White