Simon of Cyrene
Israelite / Jew Of Cyrene in North Africa (Scripture does not state his ancestry; Cyrene had a large Jewish community) · Life of Christ · New Testament
- Also called
- Simon, a Cyrenian
- Name means
- 'hearing'
- Role
- Man compelled to carry the cross of Jesus
- When
- c. AD 30
What they did
Coming in from the country, he was compelled by the soldiers to bear Jesus' cross, carrying it after Jesus to Golgotha.
Why it matters: the purpose of their role
He is a living picture of taking up the cross and following Jesus; his sons appear to have been known to the early believers.
And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyrenian, coming out of the country, and on him they laid the cross, that he might bear it after Jesus. Luke 23:26 (KJV)
Bible references
And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross. Matthew 27:32 (KJV)
And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross. Mark 15:21 (KJV)
And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyrenian, coming out of the country, and on him they laid the cross, that he might bear it after Jesus. Luke 23:26 (KJV)
Family
- Children
- Alexander and Rufus (Mark 15:21)