Simon of Cyrene
All three synoptic gospels mention Simon from Cyrene (an old Greek settlement on the coast of North Africa). Roman guards pressed Simon into service and forced him to carry Jesus’ cross (Matthew 27:32; Luke 23:30). Some have thought Simon was a Gentile, but his name suggests he may have been a Jew (Shimean is a Hebrew name), who had returned to Jerusalem for the Passover festival.
Mark adds an interesting detail and tells us that Simon was the father of Alexander and Rufus (Mark 15:21). It has been suggested that Alexander and Rufus were known in the early church, and probably Christians. The question has been asked: “Did what Simon saw and heard that day lead him to become a follower of Jesus”? The Passion of Christ portrays a marked change in Simon where he turns from wanting nothing to do with Jesus to standing up for and following him.
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