Who was Cyrenian?
The term “Cyrenian” in the New Testament refers to someone from Cyrene, an ancient city located in North Africa, in modern-day Libya. In the context of the Gospel of Mark and other Synoptic Gospels, the most well-known Cyrenian is Simon of Cyrene, a man compelled by Roman soldiers to carry the cross of Jesus on the way to His crucifixion. The name “Simon” (Greek: Simōn, Σίμων) is of Hebrew origin, derived from Shim’on (שִׁמְעוֹן), meaning “he has heard.” “Cyrenian” (Kyrēnaios, Κυρηναῖος) simply means “a man from Cyrene.”
Simon of Cyrene is mentioned in:
- Mark 15:21 – “A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross.”
- Matthew 27:32 – “As they were going out, they met a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross.”
- Luke 23:26 – “As the soldiers led him away, they seized Simon from Cyrene, who was on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus.”
The Biblical Event
During Jesus’ journey to Golgotha to be crucified, the Roman soldiers, noticing Jesus’ physical weakness after severe scourging and abuse, compelled Simon of Cyrene to carry the cross. Mark’s Gospel is unique in identifying Simon as “the father of Alexander and Rufus,” suggesting that his family was known within the early Christian community. This small detail may imply that Simon himself later became a follower of Christ, or that his children did.
There is no record in Scripture that Simon resisted. Rather, the text presents him as a bystander coming in from the countryside, unexpectedly drawn into the suffering of Christ.
Historical and Cultural Context
Cyrene was a Hellenistic city with a significant Jewish population. Jews from Cyrene were present in Jerusalem, especially during Passover (Acts 2:10). It is likely that Simon was a Jew making pilgrimage to Jerusalem for the feast when he was conscripted.
Roman soldiers had the legal right to compel civilians to carry burdens for them, a practice referenced by Jesus in Matthew 5:41: “If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.” Simon’s encounter was not voluntary but became deeply significant.
Some scholars associate Rufus, Simon’s son, with the Rufus mentioned in Romans 16:13—“Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me, too.” If this identification is correct, it points to a family transformed by the cross-bearing experience.
Theological Significance
Simon’s act of carrying Jesus’ cross stands as a profound image of discipleship. Jesus had previously declared, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me” (Mark 8:34). Though Simon was forced, the symbolism is unmistakable: to follow Jesus is to join Him in suffering and sacrifice.
Simon did what none of Jesus‘ disciples were willing or able to do at that moment—he physically walked with Jesus in His hour of suffering. This moment can be seen as a foreshadowing of the believer’s call to share in Christ’s sufferings (Philippians 3:10).
Literary and Gospel Connection
Each Gospel account of Simon is brief, yet powerfully placed at a climactic moment in Jesus’ journey. His mention alongside his sons in Mark indicates that this family was part of the early church’s memory. The Gospels do not record Simon‘s words—his silent obedience speaks louder than any spoken line.
This brief appearance also shows the global nature of the gospel. A man from Africa, likely a Jew of the Diaspora, takes part in the pivotal moment of redemption history. The early church’s expansion would later reach people from all nations, as foreshadowed in this encounter.
Broader Biblical Themes
The Sovereignty of God in Unexpected Moments
Simon’s involvement, while seemingly random, is woven into God’s redemptive plan. A stranger becomes a participant in the suffering of Christ. This reminds believers that no moment is accidental in God’s providence.
Bearing the Cross
Simon exemplifies what Jesus calls every believer to do—take up the cross. His story provides a concrete image of costly discipleship and sharing in Christ’s burden.
Inclusion of the Nations
Though a Jew, Simon’s African origin underscores the broad reach of the gospel. His presence anticipates the gospel going to all nations, including Africa (Acts 13:1 lists “Lucius of Cyrene” among the leaders of the Antioch church).
Suffering and Transformation
Simon’s encounter with Christ likely changed his life. What began as coercion may have led to conversion. This is the story of many who encounter Jesus through suffering.
How Simon of Cyrene Points to Jesus and the Gospel
Simon’s story points directly to the gospel: the innocent Christ bearing the sins of the world, helped by another to carry the cross He would die on. Jesus bore the ultimate burden of sin (Isaiah 53:4–6), and though Simon carried the wood, it was Christ who bore its full weight spiritually.
Simon‘s act does not lessen Christ’s atoning work but magnifies it. The one who helps Jesus serves as a picture of substitution, of participation, and ultimately of grace—Simon helped carry the instrument of our salvation.
Reflection Questions
- Have you experienced an “unexpected cross” in your life that God used to draw you closer to Christ?
- What does Simon’s example teach you about serving Christ even in times of inconvenience or suffering?
- How does this moment of physical participation in Christ’s suffering deepen your understanding of what it means to follow Jesus?
- Are you willing to be identified with Jesus, even when it comes with hardship or cost?
- How can the story of Simon of Cyrene inspire believers today to carry one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2)?
- What does this encounter reveal about how God uses ordinary people for extraordinary purposes?
- Could God be calling you to serve in a way that, while inconvenient or difficult, may become part of someone else’s redemption story?
Simon the Cyrenian reminds the Church that faithfulness may come not through our plans, but through divine interruptions. And in carrying a part of Christ’s burden, we find our own burden of sin lifted—because He carried it all to the cross.