Ka surprise released The Thief Next to Jesus exclusively for purchase for $20 through his website on August 19, 2024, with only a music video for the single "Such Devotion" being made available for streaming.

[1] The album's release was announced on Instagram, with Ka writing: "Thank you for still being interested after my 2 years away.

Pitchfork writer Matthew Ritchie gave the album an 8.1/10, praising the use of gospel samples along with its themes of Christianity and its links to African Americans.

Ritchie wrote, "Breaking down the tools used to oppress Black folks has always been at the forefront of Ka's writing, and the frank manner in which he parses and critiques the Black American connection to Christianity here produces stunning moments.

Fantano also highlighted the themes of the album, discussing how Ka's faith was affected deeply through "years of witnessing and experiencing trauma as well as injustice".