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.
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}.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
Context of Mark 15:21
Mark 15:21 describes a critical moment during Jesus' journey to Golgotha, the place of His crucifixion. After being scourged, mocked, and condemned by Pontius Pilate, Jesus was led out to be crucified. The Roman practice of crucifixion often required the condemned to carry their own cross (or at least the horizontal beam, known as the patibulum) to the execution site. However, Jesus, having endured immense physical torment and sleep deprivation, was evidently too weak to continue bearing the heavy burden.
Into this scene steps Simon, a man from Cyrene, a prominent Greek city in North Africa (modern-day Libya). He was "coming out of the country," likely meaning he was entering Jerusalem from the surrounding agricultural areas, perhaps having just arrived for the Passover festival. The detail that he was "the father of Alexander and Rufus" is unique to Mark's Gospel, suggesting that these sons were known to Mark's original audience, possibly early Christians in Rome, lending a personal touch to this historical event. Rufus, in particular, may be the same individual mentioned by Paul in Romans 16:13, indicating his family's later prominence in the early church.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The Greek word translated "compel" is angareuō (ἀγγαρεύω). This term originates from the Persian system of royal couriers who had the authority to requisition horses, ships, or even people for imperial service. In the Roman context, it meant to press into service, often by force or decree. This highlights that Simon had no choice in the matter; he was seized and made to perform this task.
Practical Application
Mark 15:21 offers several practical reflections for believers today: