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Simon of Cyrene

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Simon of Cyrene was the man forced by the Romans to carry the cross of Jesus as he was taken to his crucifixion. The incident is recorded only in the three Synoptic Gospels: Mark 15:21-22, Matthew 27:32, and Luke 23:26. Whereas, the Gospel of John, in John 19:17, does not mention Simon, saying only that Jesus carried the cross himself.

Life

What is known about Simon comes only from the Holy Scripture. Simon is described in three Synoptic Gospels as a Cyrenian, from the city of Cyrene in North Africa, present day Libya, and as a passerby, who was called upon to carry the cross for Jesus with no apparent association with him. Also, in Mark an added comment is made of his being the father of Alexander and Rufus.

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