Keraia
Mark 15

Mark 15:21

The Crucifixion · Mark 15:21–32
Read Mark 15

Translations

Modern
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.
Traditional
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.
Literal
And they compel one passing by, Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus, coming from the country, that he might carry His cross.
Latin
Et angariaverunt prætereuntem quempiam, Simonem Cyrenæum venientem de villa, patrem Alexandri et Rufi, ut tolleret crucem ejus.

Original

Greek
English
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.

Notes

Mark 15:21–22

  • After they left the walled city of Jerusalem, Jesus became too weak to carry his cross. The Roman soldiers forced Simon of Cyrene (a city in northern Africa) to carry it (see Matthew 5:41).

    Usually, a person being crucified had to carry the horizontal crossbeam (called the patibulum) to the place of execution. The vertical post (called the stipes) was often left in the ground as a warning to others (like a hangman’s scaffold in a public square).

  • Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus: These men were probably known to Mark's audience (see Romans 16:13).

  • Golgotha is an Aramaic word, meaning The Place of the Skull. In the Latin Vulgate, "skull" is calvariae ("Calvary"). In the time of Jesus, Golgotha was outside the walls of Jerusalem (John 19:20; see Matthew 27:32; Hebrews 13:12). When Herod Antipas later enlarged the city with the so-called third wall, Golgotha was enclosed.

Mark 15:16–41

The crucifixion story is one of the most historically reliable events from ancient history. Why would the early church invent a story where its central figure died as a criminal? This story was offensive to Jews and seemed ridiculous to non-Jews (1 Corinthians 1:23).

Events

Parallels

Psalm 22:1–31 Matthew 27:32–44 Luke 23:26–43 John 19:16–27

People

Alexander: Son of Simon who carried the cross Rufus: Son of Simon of Cyrene, who carried Jesus' cross Simon: A man who carried Jesus' cross on the way to crucifixion

Places

Cyrene: City in North Africa; home of early Christians

Glossary

Alexander Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Gospel Libya, Libyans Mark, Gospel of Passion Rufus Simon

Topics

Alexander: Son of Simon Who Bore the Cross of Jesus Cross: Carried by Simon Cross: Jesus Crucified On Cyrene: Simon and Lucius Belonged To Jesus, the Christ: Is Led Away to be Crucified (From Jerusalem) Judge: Corrupt: Pilate Persecution of Simon Rufus: Son of Simon Simon: A Man from the City of Cyrene: Compelled to Carry Jesus' Cross Soldiers: Crucified Jesus