Mark 15:21

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} they compel {G29} one {G5100} Simon {G4613} a Cyrenian {G2956}, who passed by {G3855}, coming {G2064} out of {G575} the country {G68}, the father {G3962} of Alexander {G223} and {G2532} Rufus {G4504}, to {G2443} bear {G142} his {G846} cross {G4716}.

Complete Jewish Bible

A certain man from Cyrene, Shim`on, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country; and they forced him to carry the stake.

Berean Standard Bible

Now Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and the soldiers forced him to carry the cross of Jesus.

American Standard Version

And they compel one passing by, Simon of Cyrene, coming from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to go with them, that he might bear his cross.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 15:21 captures a pivotal and poignant moment on Jesus' journey to Golgotha, where the Roman soldiers, recognizing Jesus' profound physical exhaustion after scourging and abuse, compel an unsuspecting passerby, Simon of Cyrene, to carry the cross. This seemingly minor detail, unique in its specific mention of Simon's sons, Alexander and Rufus, highlights the brutal reality of crucifixion, the Roman authority's power to impress civilians into service, and the unexpected ways individuals were drawn into the unfolding drama of divine salvation, literally sharing in the burden of Christ's suffering.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 15:21 is situated within the intensely dramatic narrative of Jesus' passion, immediately following His condemnation by Pilate (Mark 15:15), the brutal scourging and mocking by the Roman soldiers (Mark 15:16-20), and just before His crucifixion (Mark 15:22-27). The preceding verses vividly portray Jesus' physical and emotional torment, setting the stage for His inability to bear the cross alone. This verse serves as a brief but crucial interlude, transitioning from the pre-crucifixion suffering to the act of crucifixion itself. It underscores the severity of Jesus' condition and introduces an unexpected participant, moving the narrative forward towards its climactic event.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Roman Empire's practice of crucifixion was a public and brutal form of execution, designed to inflict maximum suffering and deter rebellion. Condemned individuals were typically forced to carry their own crossbeam (the _patibulum_) to the execution site. Roman soldiers had the legal authority, known as _angareia_ (from which the Greek word for "compel" derives), to impress civilians into service for state purposes, including carrying military equipment or, in this case, a condemned man's cross. Cyrene was a prominent Greek city in North Africa, home to a significant Jewish diaspora, suggesting Simon was likely a Jew who had traveled to Jerusalem for the Passover festival. The mention of his sons, Alexander and Rufus, implies they were known to Mark's original audience, possibly early Christians in Rome, lending a personal and historical anchor to this event.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in Mark's Gospel. It powerfully illustrates the **suffering of the Messiah**, emphasizing Jesus' humanity and the depth of His physical agony as He approaches the cross, a theme consistently highlighted in Mark's fast-paced, action-oriented narrative (see [Mark 14:32-42](/mark/14-32-42 "Jesus' Agony in Gethsemane")). The theme of **unwilling participation and divine sovereignty** is also prominent; Simon's forced service paradoxically fulfills God's plan, demonstrating how God uses unexpected means and individuals to accomplish His purposes. Furthermore, it subtly introduces the theme of **cross-bearing discipleship**, foreshadowing Jesus' earlier call for His followers to [take up their cross and follow Him](/mark/8-34 "Mark 8:34 - The Call to Discipleship"), even if unwillingly at first.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Compel (Greek, _angareúō'_):** This word (G29) signifies being pressed into public or military service, often by force or decree. It derives from the Persian system of royal couriers who could requisition resources. In this context, it highlights that Simon had no choice; he was seized and made to perform this task, underscoring the absolute authority of the Roman soldiers and the involuntary nature of Simon's involvement.
* **Bear (Greek, _aírō'_):** This verb (G142) means "to lift up," "to take up or away," or "to carry." Here, it describes the physical act of lifting and transporting the heavy cross. The word choice emphasizes the burden, implying a significant effort required to carry the instrument of execution, a task Jesus was no longer able to perform on His own.
* **Cross (Greek, _staurós'_):** This term (G4716) refers to a stake or post, specifically the instrument of capital punishment. Figuratively, it represents exposure to death, self-denial, and by implication, the atonement of Christ. In this verse, it is the literal, physical burden that Simon is forced to carry, but it simultaneously carries profound theological weight as the symbol of Christ's sacrifice and the means of salvation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes the action and introduces the new character. "They" refers to the Roman soldiers leading Jesus to crucifixion. The verb "compel" (ἀγγαρεύω, _angareúō_) highlights the forced nature of Simon's involvement, emphasizing that he was not a volunteer but was conscripted by military authority. Simon is identified as "a Cyrenian," indicating his origin from Cyrene, a city in North Africa, suggesting he was likely a Jewish pilgrim in Jerusalem for Passover.
* **"who passed by, coming out of the country,"**: This phrase provides further detail about Simon's immediate circumstances. He was "passing by" (παράγω, _parágō_), indicating he was merely a bystander, likely on his way into the city. "Coming out of the country" (ἀπὸ ἀγροῦ, _apo agroú_) suggests he was entering Jerusalem from the surrounding rural areas, perhaps having just arrived from a journey or returning from agricultural work outside the city walls. This detail underscores his unexpected and random encounter with the procession.
* **"the father of Alexander and Rufus,"**: This parenthetical detail is unique to Mark's Gospel and serves a crucial purpose. By identifying Simon through his sons, Mark indicates that Alexander and Rufus were known to his original audience, likely early Christians in Rome. This personal touch lends credibility to the account and suggests that Simon's encounter with Jesus had lasting significance for his family, possibly leading to their conversion and prominence within the early church (cf. [Romans 16:13](/romans/16-13 "Paul's Greeting to Rufus and his Mother")).
* **"to bear his cross."**: This final clause states the specific task Simon was compelled to perform. "His cross" refers to Jesus' cross, the heavy wooden beam that Jesus, weakened by scourging and suffering, could no longer carry. Simon's act of bearing the cross is a powerful visual representation of sharing in Christ's suffering, a literal fulfillment of the call to take up one's cross, albeit initially unwillingly.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 15:21 employs several effective literary devices. The most prominent is **Irony**, as Simon, an unwitting bystander, is forced to perform an act of profound significance—carrying the cross of the Messiah—an act that followers are later called to embrace willingly. There is also a strong element of **Foreshadowing**, as Simon's literal cross-bearing prefigures the figurative call to discipleship found earlier in Mark's Gospel, where Jesus instructs His followers to [take up their cross](/mark/8-34 "Mark 8:34 - The Call to Discipleship") and follow Him. The inclusion of "the father of Alexander and Rufus" serves as an **Authorial Aside** or **Historical Marker**, providing a specific detail that grounds the narrative in the lived experience of Mark's contemporary audience, suggesting the lasting impact of this event on Simon's family. Finally, the scene itself functions as **Symbolism**, with Simon's compelled act representing the broader truth that God can use anyone, even the reluctant, to fulfill His divine purposes and that sharing in Christ's burden is central to the Christian walk.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 15:21 profoundly illustrates the depth of Jesus' physical suffering and the extent of His self-emptying love, as He becomes so weak that He cannot even carry the instrument of His own execution. This vulnerability underscores His full humanity and the reality of His sacrifice. Simon's compelled service, though initially involuntary, marks him as the first individual in Mark's narrative to literally "take up the cross" in connection with Jesus, a powerful echo of Jesus' earlier teachings on the cost of discipleship. It highlights God's sovereign hand, orchestrating even seemingly random events to fulfill His redemptive plan, drawing an ordinary man into the most extraordinary moment in human history. This act, whether Simon understood its significance at the time, becomes a tangible representation of bearing the burdens of Christ, a theme that resonates throughout Christian theology regarding solidarity with the suffering Savior.

* [Matthew 27:32](/matthew/27-32 "Simon of Cyrene Bears the Cross")
* [Luke 23:26](/luke/23-26 "Simon of Cyrene Carries the Cross")
* [Romans 16:13](/romans/16-13 "Paul's Greeting to Rufus and his Mother")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The brief account of Simon of Cyrene carrying Jesus' cross offers a rich tapestry for reflection and application in the life of a believer. Simon's experience reminds us that God often calls us to service not necessarily when we are prepared or willing, but often when we are simply "passing by." His compelled act, born of necessity and Roman authority, transformed into an act of profound, albeit initially involuntary, identification with Christ. This challenges us to consider our own responses when unexpected burdens or opportunities for service arise. Do we resist, or do we, like Simon, allow ourselves to be used by God, even when the task seems arduous or inconvenient? Simon's story also serves as a powerful reminder of the call to bear burdens, both our own and those of others, in imitation of Christ. Just as Jesus bore the ultimate burden for us, we are called to compassionately assist those who are weak, suffering, or overwhelmed, recognizing that in doing so, we are often ministering to Christ Himself. This verse encourages us to embrace the unexpected paths of discipleship, trusting that God can use even our reluctant moments for His glorious purposes and our spiritual growth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I respond when unexpected burdens or demands for service arise in my life, especially when they feel inconvenient or forced?**
* **In what ways am I currently called to "bear the cross" in my own life, whether through personal challenges, acts of self-denial, or serving others?**
* **How does Simon's story encourage me to trust that God can use me for His purposes, even if I feel unprepared or unwilling?**
* **What practical steps can I take to be more attuned to the needs of those around me who are struggling, and how can I help them bear their burdens?**

### FAQ

**Why was Simon compelled to carry Jesus' cross?**

Answer:Simon was compelled to carry Jesus' cross because Jesus was physically unable to do so Himself. After enduring a brutal scourging, mocking, and prolonged abuse (as detailed in [Mark 15:15-20](/mark/15-15-20 "Jesus is Mocked and Scourged")), Jesus was severely weakened. The Roman practice of crucifixion typically required the condemned to carry their own crossbeam, but Jesus' condition made this impossible. Roman soldiers had the authority to impress civilians into service, a practice known as _angareia_, and they exercised this right upon Simon, who was merely a passerby.

**Who were Alexander and Rufus, and why are they mentioned?**

Answer:Alexander and Rufus were Simon's sons. Mark's Gospel is unique in mentioning them by name. This detail suggests that Alexander and Rufus were known to Mark's original audience, likely early Christians in Rome. Their inclusion serves to ground the historical account, indicating that Simon's family may have become prominent members of the early church, possibly as a result of Simon's encounter with Jesus. Many scholars believe that Rufus, in particular, may be the same individual mentioned by Paul in [Romans 16:13](/romans/16-13 "Paul's Greeting to Rufus and his Mother"), where Paul greets "Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother." This connection would further highlight the lasting impact of Simon's compelled service.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 15:21, though seemingly a minor detail, powerfully points to the heart of Christ's mission and the nature of His sacrifice. Simon's compelled act of bearing the cross underscores the profound weakness and humiliation that the Son of God willingly embraced for humanity's redemption. Jesus, the Strong One, became utterly weak, allowing an ordinary man to literally carry the burden that was meant for Him, foreshadowing the truth that He would ultimately bear the far heavier burden of the world's sin on that very cross. This scene prefigures the ultimate exchange: Christ bearing our sin and weakness so that we might receive His strength and righteousness. The cross Simon carried was not just a piece of wood; it was the instrument of atonement, the place where the [Lamb of God would take away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Thus, Simon's act, however involuntary, becomes a tangible representation of the vicarious suffering of Christ, who bore the weight of divine judgment so that we might find salvation. This moment also subtly connects to Jesus' call for His followers to [take up their cross](/luke/9-23 "Luke 9:23 - Take Up Your Cross") and follow Him, revealing that true discipleship involves sharing in Christ's suffering and identifying with His self-sacrificial love, a love perfectly exemplified by His journey to Calvary. The cross, once a symbol of shame, becomes the glorious emblem of redemption, made possible by the One who allowed another to help Him carry its physical weight, only to bear its spiritual weight entirely alone.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 27:32

And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.

Luke 23:26

¶ 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.

Romans 16:13

Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.

Acts 2:10

Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,

Acts 13:1

¶ Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

Acts 11:20

And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus.

Acts 6:9

Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called [the synagogue] of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.