The story of Simon of Cyrene fills only a few lines in the Gospels, yet it has moved believers for centuries. As Roman soldiers led Jesus out to his crucifixion, they forced a passerby to carry his cross. That man came from a distant city, and Mark even gives the names of his sons. In this article, we look at what the Gospels say, why Mark mentions Alexander and Rufus, and what this brief encounter teaches about following Jesus.
Who Was Simon of Cyrene?
First, consider his home. Cyrene was a Greek city in the province of Cyrenaica, in what is now eastern Libya. It had a strong Jewish community. In fact, 100,000 Judean Jews settled there during the reign of Ptolemy Soter (323–285 BC). Later, the city also became an early center of Christianity.
The Jews of Cyrene kept close ties with the holy city. They had their own synagogue in Jerusalem, and many of them traveled there for the annual feasts. So it is easy to picture Simon of Cyrene as a pilgrim in Jerusalem at a festival time. However, we should hold this picture gently. His name, Simon, is a Hebrew name, yet the name alone does not prove that he was Jewish.
What the Gospels Say About Simon
All three Synoptic Gospels tell how the Romans compelled Simon to carry the cross of Jesus. Mark gives the fullest description:
“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)
Notice the details. Simon was simply passing by, and he was coming in from the countryside. He did not seek this moment; instead, the soldiers pressed him into service. Luke adds a striking phrase about how Simon carried the load:
“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)
In other words, Simon walked behind Jesus with the cross on his shoulders. Interestingly, the Gospel of John does not mention him at all. Even so, the other accounts give us a clear and moving scene.
Why Mark Names the Sons of Simon of Cyrene
Mark alone tells us that Simon was “the father of Alexander and Rufus.” Why add these names? Many readers think Mark knew the two brothers personally. Also, he seems to expect his first audience to recognize them. For this reason, some suggest that Alexander and Rufus held a place of standing in the Christian community at Rome.
This small detail matters a great deal. Because Mark names the sons, his readers could check the story with people who knew their father. As a result, the sons of Simon of Cyrene appear as the children of an eyewitness. They could confirm what their father saw on that road. Therefore, this quiet reference works against any claim that the passion story is mere literary invention. Several features of the Gospel point the same way, suggesting that the eyewitness memories of Simon stand behind Mark’s account.
Rufus, the Men of Cyrene and an Ancient Tomb
Some readers also see a link between this family and Paul’s letter to the Romans. Near the end of that letter, Paul sends greetings to a believer named Rufus:
“Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.” (Romans 16:13)
Some have suggested that this Rufus is the son of Simon of Cyrene. Similarly, others connect Simon himself with the “men of Cyrene” who preached the Gospel to Greek-speaking Jews in Acts 11:20. Yet we must be careful here. Alexander and Rufus were both common names, so they may point to other people.
Archaeology adds another intriguing piece. In 1941, E. L. Sukenik discovered a burial cave in the Kidron Valley. It belonged to Jews from Cyrene and dates from before AD 70. Inside, he found an ossuary with the Greek words “Alexander son of Simon” written twice. Still, no one can be certain that this refers to the same family.
Simon of Cyrene and the Way of the Cross
Over the centuries, Christians have kept Simon’s moment close to their hearts. In the Stations of the Cross, his carrying of the crossbeam, called the patibulum in Latin, is the fifth station. Believers pause there to remember how a stranger shared the weight Jesus bore.
Readers understand his role in different ways. Some think the soldiers chose Simon of Cyrene because he showed sympathy for Jesus. Others point out that the text says nothing of the kind. Simon had no choice, so they see no basis for calling his act generous. Both views agree, however, that he truly carried the cross. In addition, his name lives on in service to others. The Simon Community and the Cyrenian movement, which help homeless and disadvantaged people in the UK, both take their name from him.
Carrying the Cross After Jesus
The life of Simon of Cyrene reminds us that God often meets us on ordinary roads. Simon was only coming in from the country. Then, in a moment, he found himself walking behind the Savior with the cross on his shoulders. Luke’s words, “that he might bear it after Jesus,” invite us to see our own path in his.
Finally, think of the names Mark recorded. A father carried a burden he never chose, and his sons became people the church knew. Perhaps some burdens we carry today will one day bear fruit we cannot yet see. May the example of Simon of Cyrene encourage us to follow Jesus closely, step by step, wherever the road leads.
