Who was Simon of Cyrene in the Bible?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Simon of Cyrene, mentioned in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, carried Jesus' cross to the site of His crucifixion. Likely a dispersed Jewish man from Cyrene (modern-day Libya) who had come to Jerusalem for Passover, Simon was also a father who brought his sons, Alexander and Rufus, to the celebration. His unexpected role in a pivotal moment of history teaches the importance of being open to unplanned opportunities for service, as these can have profound and lasting impacts. Cyrenians were among the first Christian believers, with some, including Lucius of Cyrene, becoming key figures in the early Christian community in Antioch following the death of Stephen.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Simon of Cyrene is only mentioned in the New Testament.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Simon of Cyrene is mentioned in Matthew 27:32, Mark 15:21, and Luke 23:26 as the man who carried the cross of Jesus to the location of His death. Since Cyrene was located in modern-day Libya, many have suggested that Simon was a dark-skinned African man who had come to Jerusalem to worship during the Passover. However, since only his hometown was specified and many Jews lived in Cyrene during this time, his ethnicity is unknown for certain.
• Given that Simon of Cyrene's sons were known to Mark's audience (Mark 15:21), it seems likely that Simon and his family were worshipers of the God of the Jews. Presumably, then, Simon was a Jewish man living in Cyrene due to the dispersion who returned for the Passover celebration.
• People from Cyrene were among the first Christian believers at the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:10). Perhaps Simon, Alexander, and Rufus were among those who heard and believed.
• Some believers from Cyrene fled Jerusalem following the death of Stephen (Acts 7) and began sharing their faith in Antioch (Acts 11:19–20). Acts 13:1 mentions Lucius of Cyrene as one of the prophets and teachers of the Christians at Antioch.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

The story of Simon of Cyrene challenges us with the importance of being open to unexpected opportunities to serve and make a difference. Simon was likely in Jerusalem for Passover with no expectation of playing a significant role in the events that would unfold. However, he was called upon to carry Jesus' cross, an act of service that has been remembered throughout history. This teaches us to be ready and willing to step into roles of service, even when they come unexpectedly or during times of personal inconvenience, as these moments can have a profound impact and significance on us and on others.

UNDERSTAND

• Simon of Cyrene is mentioned in the Gospels (Matthew 27:32, Mark 15:21, and Luke 23:26) as the man who carried Jesus' cross.
• Simon was a worshiper of the God of the Jews.
• Some Cyrenian believers fled to Antioch after Stephen's death and shared their faith (Acts 11:19–20). Lucius of Cyrene is mentioned in a group of prophets and teachers in Antioch (Acts 13:1).

REFLECT

• How can you see interruptions of your plans as unexpected opportunities to glorify God and serve others?
• In what ways can you prepare yourself to be open and ready for unexpected opportunities to serve others, even when they come at inconvenient times?
• How does Simon's example of service challenge your current understanding of what it means to follow and serve God in your daily life?

ENGAGE

• Many have connected Simon of Cyrene’s son, Rufus, with the same Rufus mentioned in Romans 16:13: "Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord; also his mother, who has been a mother to me as well." If this is the same Rufus, the mother of Rufus was certainly a Christian by this time, as was Rufus, both serving in Rome among the Roman believers. It is not clear if this is the same Rufus or not, so the connection is only a possibility.
• How might Simon's background as a foreigner and a dispersed Jew influence our perspective on the way God built His church?
• How might Simon’s actions and faith have influenced his sons, Alexander and Rufus, and how can we apply this in nurturing faith within our own families?