Discover the ancient tale of Cyrene: A Greek colony in North Africa that became a beacon of culture, wealth, and resilience amidst challenges.

The Bible is filled with a rich tapestry of characters, some of whom are well-known, like Moses and Peter, and others who linger in the background, their stories waiting to be rediscovered. These lesser-known figures often carry deep significance, offering unique insights into faith, history, and the human experience. Here, we explore eight of the most intriguing lesser-known biblical figures and uncover what makes their stories compelling and relevant today.

In the bustling realm of biblical historical fiction, where stories intertwine with faith and history, there is one figure who stands out, albeit in the background: Simon of Cyrene. Often overshadowed by grand narratives, Simon’s story offers profound lessons that can inspire and uplift us. My latest novel delves into this unsung hero's life and legacy, and here's why discovering Simon’s journey can be a transformative experience for your faith and personal growth.

There are a number of lessons I learned in writing the story of Simon of Cyrene. Here are three that I considered the most profound, especially when likening them to the global situations we’ve dealt with over the past few years.

In writing Simon, there were many nuances, structures, and themes that had to be part of the story. This article dives into the creation of the story and why some of the choices were made regarding those nuances, structures, and themes.

Of the many obscure references of people made throughout the bible one that has ignited a maelstrom of questions and curiosity is Simon of Cyrene, the man who was compelled to cary Jesus’ cross. He has fascinated me for almost a decade. To the best of my ability, I will answer 21 of the top questions people ask about Simon of Cyrene.

What does She look like? What clothing is he wearing? What does her grooming tell us about her social status? Is he attractive? How much wealth does she have? What are his personality quirks? These are questions we ask ourselves about others. Often our own experiences, histories, and prejudices subconsciously answer those questions for us. What if a story focused on a different aspect of character descriptions? “Simon” does, and here is the why and how.

In writing the story of Simon of Cyrene it was necessary to find clues that could lead to knowing more about him. In truth we know almost nothing. But a few tidbits of information are sufficient to build an entire story. Here are the clues I followed and how they lead to the story of Simon.

Years ago I set out to write the story of Simon of Cyrene, the man who helped Jesus carry the cross. The reason why had a long path that crossed many years, meandering in and out of moments of clarification, that ultimately led to the creation of this story. Here is how it came about.