Questions about Simon of Cyrene: The man who carried Jesus’ Cross
Simon of Cyrene was just passing by when soldiers forced him to carry the cross of the Savior. Image: Tango7174, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
One man, obscurely referenced in the bible, has ignited a maelstrom of curiosity and questions. This is largely due the mystery of his story, the circumstances that brought him face to face with Christ, and the impact of his short walk with the Savior of the World. The man was Simon of Cyrene, he who was compelled to cary Jesus’ cross.
Below are 21 common questions about Simon of Cyrene and insight into how each inquiry helps us glimpse who Simon the Cyrene was and what we can learn from him.
Why I’m Interested in Simon of Cyrene
Simon the Cyrene would not leave my thoughts to the point that I was inspired to write a historical fiction novel entitled “Simon”. As the story evolved and grew, I researched as much as possible about this forgotten man. With each new inquiry I was led other areas of study such as the layout of towns, local economies, culture, and tradition.
The more I learned the more I sought to piece together his story. With each chapter I developed a deeper admiration for this man and the legacy he has left for the world to ponder.
Here are quick links to the questions answered below. They are broken into three categories:
Simon before He was inJerusalem
Simon’s Experience along the Road to Golgotha
Simon After the Crucifixion
Part 1: Before Jerusalem
First how do we even know about Simon of Cyrene? He would have been entirely lost in the sands of time had it not been for the writings of Matthew, Mark and Luke. In all of known literature there are only three short scriptures (primary sources) that mention Simon the Cyrene. Each verse about the moment when Simon was compelled to carry the cross. They are the following:
Matthew 27:32 - “And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.”
Mark 15:21 - “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.”
Luke 23:26 - “And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyrenian, coming out of the country, and on him they laid the cross, that he might bear it after Jesus.”
Even though those three scriptures are short they are packed with information. It was from these three verses that the whole basis of my novel “Simon” is founded.
There are many other works of literature, movies, folklore, and legend that include and revolve around Simon of Cyrene. Yet all of these had these three scriptures to base their premises. There are also a number of sermons, talks, and dissertations about those final mortal moments of Jesus Christ that include mention of and proposed lessons from Simon of Cyrene. Indeed the man who carried Jesus’ cross has captured the imaginations for millennia and no doubt will continue to do so.
My article The World of Simon dives into the information between the lines of those verses and how that helped me build the story of Simon.
Picture of Simon of Cyrene being compelled to carry the cross. Tango7174, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Truth be told we don’t know who Simon the Cyrene was. However, from three verses in the bible we get six nuggets of information.
Was Simon present in Pilate’s court or not?
We don’t know for sure, but from Matthew 27:32 we can be sure of two options. The first being, Simon was present during the trials because as the soldiers came out with Jesus into the trial crowd that is where they grabbed Simon to carry the cross. The second option being, Simon was not present at the trials because as the procession came out of the courts that is where Simon was compelled to carry the cross.
The scripture is vague enough to not define where Simon was compelled and in what setting.
Simon was passing by.
Because of Mark 15:21 I am led to think Simon was not present during the trial because Mark writes that Simon, “passed by, coming out of the country.” The present nature of this wording seems to indicate Simon was just coming into Jerusalem and was near Pilat’s court at the moment when the procession exited the courts and made its way to Golgotha.
Simon was coming into Jerusalem
This is indicated by Luke’s description that Simon was coming “out of the country” (Luke 23:26). In other words, Simon was coming into the city.
Both this piece of information and the previous piece seem to indicate that Simon was not caught up with, involved with, or had ties with Jesus, those who accused Jesus, or Jesus’ followers, because if he had, he would have been at the trial with either the accusers or followers.
At the same time, maybe he had slept in, or had only recently received news of the undergoing trail and had not arrived yet. The possibilities are many.
Simon was compelled to carry the cross.
Compelled is a strong word. It means to be obliged or forced. Basically, carrying Jesus’ cross was not something Simon of Cyrene wanted or desired to do, thus the need to be compelled. It is not unlikely that physical force was used to get him to carry the cross.
Matthew, Mark, and Luke describe the moment as a forced measure. The first two used the word compelled, while Luke provides a visual of the struggle by saying they, “laid hold upon” Simon.
Simon had two sons, Alexander and Rufus.
This piece of information gives us insight into the fatherly nature of Simon the Cyrene. Mark is the only one who references Simon’s sons. A possible indication that Mark either knew Simon at that time or got to know Simon later on. We do not know from the information provided. It is also unknown if these sons were with Simon at the of the crucifixion.
His name is Simon.
He is from Cyrene.
He bore the cross after Christ.
Luke is the only one who mentioned this detail. It is most likely that Christ literally walked in front of Simon as Simon carried the cross. Another possibility is that it indicates that Christ carried the cross a short distance and then Simon carried it second or after Christ had carried it. Either way, both present amazing ties to the many scriptures that reference disciples of Christ must pick up the cross and follow Christ.
Anything beyond those eight points is speculation. Nevertheless, knowing the circumstances of that day, typical Roman customs at the time, social intricacies, and other historical points can help create probable additional insight into the life of Simon of Cyrene, who he was, and what he was doing in Jerusalem.
With the information given in the three scriptures mentioning Simon we do not know:
If Simon was a Jew
What Simon’s lineage was
Why he was just coming into Jerusalem
If his two sons were with him
What his background or career were
If he had any previous associations with Christ
If he had any previous associations with followers of Christ
If he watched the crucifixion
If he was already a follower of Christ
If he became a follower of Christ
There is a lot of tradition, folklore, and legend about Simon the Cyrene, some more fantastical than others. Truth be told, we just don’t know his true story.
Global Search Trend for “Simon of Cyrene” from 2004 to March 2024
Let’s geek out a little regarding the search interest around the search term or query “Simon of Cyrene.”
Within the United States and in English there are over 550 keywords searched about Simon of Cyrene on an annual basis.
On average these keywords have an accumulative search volume of over 48,000 searches a month.
Simon of Cyrene is being searched for by people all over the world. Currently these searches come most frequently from Zimbabwe, Uganda and Kenya.
There is a massive seasonal spike in interest about Simon of Cyrene each year leading up to and after Easter.
To date, the event that drove more interest about Simon the Cyrene than any other was the movie Passion of Christ. Google Trends reports a massive spike in 2004 (when that movie was released) that dwarfs all other search interest reported. The next largest spike is in spring of 2022. I like to think that correlates to the publication of my novel!
Today Simon of Cyrene is featured in Organic Results, Paid Ads, Answer Boxes, Image Carousels, People Also Ask questions, in Video results, and across Video Carousels.
Just think, this unknown man from 2000 years ago has become a bit of an influencer today!
We know nothing about the sons of Simon of Cyrene, except that their names were Alexander and Rufus. Simon may have had other children, other sons or daughters, but we are only given the names of two of his sons.
We do not know if Simon’s sons were with him as he entered the city. It is interesting that only Mark mentions them. Thus it is only from Mark that we know that Simon was a father and had two sons.
If Alexander and Rufus were not with Simon, then it is likely that Simon only had the two male offspring, because otherwise Simon’s other children (at least males) probably would have been named.
Like all other aspects about Simon, there are many tails, legends, traditions, and folklore about Simon his sons and their connections with Christ and His followers. Truth be told, there is no primary evidence today to back these other than the wonder that has led to the creations of these concepts.
It is likely that Alexander and Rufus are named by Mark, because Mark either new Simon of Cyrene prior to the events of carrying the cross, or got to know Simon after the crucifixion of Christ. This could be an indication that Simon, and at least Alexander and Rufus, became followers of Christ. Perhaps these three men became somewhat well known among believers and thus warranted including their names in Mark’s account. Possibly after becoming converted to the gospel of Christ these men served missions reaching and spreading the good news. However, if that is the case I wonder why Matthew or Luke did not include them.
A possible connection. In Paul’s letter to the Romans, Paul references someone named Rufus and Rufus’ mother. If that Rufus was the son of Simon then it is probable that Simon’s family traveled around strengthening disciples. This would mean they were well known by the apostles and followers, so much so, at least of Paul, that Paul knew their whereabouts.
The answer is pretty straight forward. Simon the Cyrene, came from the town of Cyrene. Let’s dive deeper with the next question on the list!
Google maps view of the Mediterranean Sea. The Location of Cyrene indicated with the red circle.
The ancient city of Cyrene was located in the central northern region of what is today Libya. Looking at a map of the Mediterranean sea, Cyrene is due south across the sea from Greece.
Cyrene was located approximately 5.5 miles (8.9 kilometers) from the coastline. It sat at the edge of a plateau that is about 2,000 ft (609 meters) above sea level. Satellite imagery of the area shows a lush narrow band of green fertile land. An oasis pinched between the Mediterranean sea on the north and west and the dry desolation of the Sahara desert on the south and east.
All you can see of the Cyrene Simon would have known is in ruins. It is adjacent to the modern city of Shahat in Libya. It is 12.5 kilometers west from the Al Abraq International Airport and 16 kilometers east of the city Al Bayda. Driving down to the coast takes about 30 minutes brining you to the town of Susah. This is the site of the the ancient port of Apollonia. Odds are, that is the port where Simon of Cyrene departed on his way to Jerusalem.
Satellite view, taken from Google Earth, of the modern day ruins of Cyrene. Notice the fortified city walls on the center right and the temple of Zeus in the upper left.
After pronouncing Cyrene three different ways: “Kai-reen”, “Sy-reen”, and “Seer-in” I turned to Google Translate and listened to the English, Latin, and Greek pronunciation of the word. The English and Latin versions sound pretty much the same. The Greek pronunciation is a bit different.
Here are three ways to say Cyrene:
Latin - Cyrene : Pronounced “Sighed-een-ee
Greek - κυρένιο (kyrénio) : Pronounced “Keyed-en-yo”
English - Cyrene : Pronounced “sigh·ree·nee”
Cyrene was founded by the Greeks in 631 BC. As the settlement grew eventually four other towns were established around Cyrene. All together these five towns became one of Greece’s most important centers for intellectual, artistic, medicinal, and architectural studies.
By 96 BC the region had became a Roman territory. Twenty two years later, in 74 BC, it officially became a Roman Province after Rome invested additional resources to build up the area and squelch uprisings in the region.
The fertile lands around Cyrene made it a great location for the production of grain, crops and livestock. However, the largest export was a plant called Silphium. This was considered a widely versatile plant from which ointments, perfumes, foodstuffs, and juices could be produced from its flowers, stalks, and roots. The bulk of its uses were for medicinal purposes ranging from helping with headaches, to settling ones stomach, to birth control. So in demand was this plant that is was farmed to extinction.
Siliphium plant and seeds. Muséum de Toulouse, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
If you could walk in a straight line from Cyrene to Jerusalem you would cover approximately 850 miles (1,368 kilometers). However, no straight road or path connects the two cities. The fastest way to travel between them was by boat across the Mediterranean Sea.
Due to the distance, the harshness of the trek across the Sahara desert, and the dangers associated with the desert it is likely that Simon traveled the bulk of the distance by ship.
Assuming Simon set out for Jerusalem from his home in Cyrene, he probably traveled ten miles to the coastal port of Apollonia. That being a major Roman port, he probably would have boarded a roman vessel and traveled to Caesarea Maritima, the main port in the province of Judea and the Roman naval base. That sea faring journey, if direct, would cover a distance of 760 miles (1,223 kilometers).
Map showing Caesarea Maritima’s location in proximity to Jerusalem and other important cities in the region. un.org, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
From Caesarea Maritima, the most direct route to Jerusalem (via the main modern roads - which largely mirror the ancient roads) would require a traveler to cover about 72 miles (116 kilometers).
In all, from Cyrene to Jerusalem the distance covered would be the equivalent (milage wise) of going from New York City to Birmingham Alabama, or Paris France to Warsaw Poland.
Google Maps view of the distance between Paris and Warsaw
We do not know for sure. If he traveled direct from Cyrene to Jerusalem he would have covered 850 miles. Such a distance, in that day and age, was typically undertaken with a major purpose. The answer lies in Simon’s background. Was he a Jew going to celebrate the Passover? Was he a Roman going for some political purpose? Was he a significant religious leader arriving to represent the region of Cyrene? Did his career bid him to go to Jerusalem? And of course, was Simon from Cyrene, but had he moved and resided somewhere near Jerusalem? There are a lot of options, but I think they can be narrowed down.
Assuming he still lived in Cyrene, Simon was probably going to Jerusalem for religious, political, or economic reasons.
If for Religious Purposes
He was probably going to celebrate the Passover. An oddity is that the scriptures say Simon was “coming out from the country” meaning Simon was traveling from outside of Jerusalem into Jerusalem. It’s likely he missed the main festival feast the night before because he was just coming into the Jerusalem on the morning of the crucifixion.
If traveling from Cyrene it seems he would have sought to be in Jerusalem for the Passover feast, however he was a day late. Perhaps the delay had been from being held up in his journey.
Possibly his arrival was on purpose to avoid the first wave of visitors.
Maybe he didn’t have a predetermined place to celebrate the Passover in Jerusalem so it wasn’t important to arrive the day before.
He could have celebrated the festival feast elsewhere and then went to Jerusalem to finish a pilgrimage.
Maybe he stayed outside of the city each night and entered into Jerusalem each day.
Then of course, what if the Passover was a reason to be in Jerusalem, but not the main reason?
There are a myriad of possibilities but those six seem to be the most likely.
If for for Political Reasons
Passover was the perfect time to go to Jerusalem, since it was one of the busiest times of the year. For example, Pontius Pilate was there to help maintain order during the celebrations due to the influx of visitors (a political reason). Pilate did not live in Jerusalem, his main residence was in Caesarea. Pilate most likely would have arrived a few days before to oversee crowd control preparations.
There are a variety of political reasons why Simon would have gone to Jerusalem, but there was no real political connection between Cyrene and Jerusalem that would warrant a journey at that particular time, at least if Simon was Roman.
On the Jewish side of things it could make sense if Simon held a political standing amongst the Pharisees or Sadducees. However, I think this not likely because if Simon had been closely associated with either of those groups he would have been known by them or his attire would have signaled his association with them and they would not have let him be disgraced by carrying the cross for the man they wanted to crucify.
If for Economical Reasons
There was no better time to make money in Jerusalem than at Passover due to the amount of transactions that could be made with the influx of visitors. Yet, it seems Simon was arriving a day late (by virtue of him coming into Jerusalem from out of the country on the morning of the crucifixion). If his purpose had been to make as much money as possible, he would have been there before Passover began to take full advantage of the business opportunity. Perhaps his economical reason did not depend on physical sales. Maybe his purpose was larger in scale, more broad and reaching. What better time to have representation from all quarters of the Roman Empire in one place? In other words it was a perfect time to be there for business negotiations.
Also, remember the possibility that Simon was already at Jerusalem, but could have been staying outside the city walls, or had left the city early that morning and was on his way back in. Details we simply don’t have.
Part 2: The Road to Golgotha
The Wooden Cross : Image by Neil Williamson - creative commons license
Crucifixion was not uncommon in the Roman Empire. It was a form of capital punishment, typically reserved for those deemed to be revolutionaries or enemies of the state. Perhaps the main purpose was to instill fear in the hearts of those who may consider opposing Roman rule. Another reason may have been to say, “we are Rome and we are in charge.” It conveyed the idea of, “don’t do what these people did, or this could happen to you.”
Crucifixions were usually erected on the main roads leading into or out of cities and towns. Meaning, they could not be missed. Those who lived within the boarders of Roman rule would have been accustomed to seeing crucifixions.
Luca Giordano, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Romans were brutally creative in the way crucifixions were performed. If no cross could be made, a vertical wooden beam, or even a tree would do just fine. Positioning was a horrific work of art. Victims would be hung sideways, upside-down, right-side up, arms stretch out, arms over the heads, or in contorted positions.
Regarding the materials used to secure a victim to their “cross” single nails, multiple nails, rope lashings, combinations of those materials, etc. could be used. In essence crucifixion seemed to consist of whatever materials were at disposal and what aligned with the circumstances, severity of crime, and disposition of whoever carried out the sentencing.
When it comes to the traditional cross that is depicted in countless works of art, with a vertical beam and a horizontal cross, there were a few ways in which they could have been erected. The method used would determine how much wood need to be carried. It is probable that the Romans kept permanent crucifixion installations and added others as needed.
Permanent installations, would essentially be a vertical beam upon which crossbeams could be secured and removed. If this method was used, the accused would carry only the horizontal beam.
Additional crosses could be erected as needed. Need would be dictated if permanent crosses were “occupied”. Unlike permanent installations, an additional cross would require a the very least a vertical beam. If the victims arms were to be stretched out a cross-beam would also be needed.
Andrey Mironov, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Constructed crosses would have been made of solid wood. Depending on the dimensions of a cross (height, width, length) it is estimated, on the extreme end, that a full cross could weighed upwards of 300 pounds (136 kilograms). Just the crossbeam could weight somewhere between 70-90 pounds (32-41 kilograms).
Either of those weights, a full cross or just the horizontal beam, would be an extremely difficult burden to carry for any individual having previously undergone brutal beatings and scourging. A full cross at 300 pounds would be difficult for most anyone, who is not injured, to carry on their own.
There is no reference in the scriptures if Jesus bore a full cross or just a crossbeam. Neither are there references of what the the two malefactors may have carried. John tells us that the Romans led him way to be crucified, “And he [Jesus] bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of the skull.” (John: 19:17)
This is the only reference of the crucifixion itself that we have indicating that Jesus carried his cross. Many of Christ’s teachings inform us that we too are to bear our cross and follow him. This seems to indicate that Christ did carry his cross and expects us to spiritually do the same. The interesting twist in the story is that Christ was unable to carry his cross the whole way, which is why a person from the crowd was compelled to carry the cross for him. However, to keep with Christ’s teachings (whether literal or symbolic) Luke tells us that Simon of Cyrene “[bore the cross] after Jesus.”
How interesting it is that Jesus, unable to bear the weight of his cross, received relief from someone who had the strength and capacity to carry the cross. What a magnificent spiritual allegory knowing that Chris instructs us to carry our cross - our burdens, sins, shortcomings, pains, sorrows - and follow him. The irony, is that because Christ fulfilled the atonement He is our personal Simon, who compelled by His atonement will step in and carry our cross.
Some have asked, when did Jesus carry the cross? It seems that Jesus carried his cross for a short distance before it became obvious that he was unable to take it any further. This would have happened after the crowed yelled “Crucify him, Crucify him” and probably involved exiting Pilates court. It is possible that Jesus could have carried the cross a short distance on the road outside of the court. It is unknown how far Jesus carried his cross. Tradition, folklore, and legend all give us varying distances (between 600 meters to 4 kilometers). However, because we know that Simon the Cyrene carried it and the references of him come directly after the descriptions of Pilates court, it is probable that Jesus carried his cross for a short distance.
There is a dichotomy between who actually made Jesus carry the cross. Technically the Romans would have “made” Jesus carry the cross. They were the ones who were carrying out the order to crucify Jesus. But, it was the religious leaders who demanded that crucifixion take place. In essence it was these leaders desire that Jesus carry his cross.
Matthew, Mark, and Luke all reference a Simon of Cyrene who helped Jesus carry the cross. “Helped” may be a loose term, as the next question will answer in more detail. By no means did Simon volunteer. Nor does it appear that he had anything to do with Jesus prior to his encounter with Jesus on that road to Golgotha.
He did “help” Jesus carry the cross, because Jesus had been through some extremely brutal beatings, not to mention the initiation of His atonement in the Garden of Gethsemane, where we are given the description that he sweat blood from the agony he underwent. He had also been up all night and back and forth between trials. No doubt he was exhausted (understatement), and his muscles may have been so lacerated that he was physically unable to carry a cross. In that aspect Simon of Cyrene did help Jesus carry the cross, because Simon was capable of doing so.
There is no indication that Simon of Cyrene knew Jesus before his encounter with Him. The scriptures tell us he was coming out of the country into Jerusalem and that he was passing by. It seems to indicate that he was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Or perhaps, since I don’t believe any interaction with Christ is happenstance, Simon was in the right place at the right time, even though he may have thought very much the opposite in the moment.
Having been flogged, beaten with a reed, mocked, spit upon, and a crown of thorns added to his head, Jesus along with two other malefactors were lead from the courts of Pilate to the place of crucifixion. In Matthew it is said, “As they came out” of the courts they found Simon and compelled him to bear the cross. Mark says that as, “led him out to crucify him. And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by…to bear his cross.” Luke writes, “And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyrenian…and on him they laid the cross.”
In essence Simon the Cyrene was forced to carry the cross. Luke’s wording tells us it was a physical encounter. Simon was grabbed and had the cross placed upon him. That is a situation that would have been very much against Simon’s will. Here he is an innocent passerby, forced to participate in a procession of capital punishment.
It would appear that Christ may have only been able to carry the cross a short distance - somewhere between the entrance of the court and a gate of Jerusalem before it was deemed more efficient to have someone else carry the cross. That is the point at which Simon of Cyrene was forced to carry the cross. Though we don’t have the details it’s likely Simon carried the corss the rest of the way.
There are a few locations of tradition that dictate where the crucifixion took place. One was fairly close to Herod’s Palace, just past the Tower’s Pool on the road to Joppa. The other is on the north end of the city of Jerusalem past the Fish Gate. Both are compelling in their own regard.
The road to Joppa was the busiest road into and out of Jerusalem, if the Romans wanted to display crucifixions for all to see, this would have been the road to do it on. However, there is the possibility that all roads into the city had crucifixion sites along them. The road to Joppa gate is very close to where Pilot tried Jesus and where the soldiers flogged, beat, and mocked Jesus. Conducting the crucifixions outside the Joppa gate would have been efficient in regard to time spent getting there. If it was just outside the Joppa Gate where the crucifixion was performed then Simon carried the cross approximately 1,200 ft, 400 yards, or 365 meters. Numerically speaking this is symbolically interesting, i.e. bringing Christ’s atonement full circle - 365 degrees.
The Fish Gate location would have entailed a bit more parading (PS the Romans were known for their parading, though typically more from a military victory standpoint). This tradition, holds that Jesus was paraded through the streets of Jerusalem, to the most elaborate of city gates on the north side of Jerusalem. From there the crucifixion site would have been outside the city wall on the road to Samaria. This route would have been about 3,000 ft, 1,000 yards, or 914 meters.
There is no record of Jesus speaking to Simon. Knowing that Jesus took every opportunity to teach, help, and instruct others, it would be surprising if no form of communication transpired between Him and Simon. Read my fiction novel “Simon” to see what I think may have happened between the two of them on that walk to Golgotha.
The scriptures only account for a few words from Jesus during the whole procession to when he gave up the ghost. One was to the weeping women who followed his procession at Golgotha. One was to forgive the soldiers who crucified him. One was to ensure his mother was taken care of. One was declaring that he was thirsty. One was comfort to one of the malefactors who was crucified next to him. One was in agony of being alone. And his final words were a declaration that his atonement of taking upon himself the sins of the world was complete.
Of these words. Two are prophesies of things to come. Three are filled with compassion. One is of personal need. One is out of pure agony, which ironically has nothing to do with the brutal physical pain he would have been in but rather a departure of His Father’s presence. And one is probably out of relief that his bitter cup was done and a report to His Father that this painful part of his mission was fulfilled. This too stands as one of the most beautiful lines of spoken words ever uttered, for it is confirmation to all humanity that we have a personal Savior and Redeemer.
There are no records indicating if Simon of Cyrene stayed to watch the crucifixion after arriving at Golgotha or if he left.
After being compelled to carry the cross, being in the thick of the procession, surrounded by soldiers, people shouting to crucify Jesus, others challenging Jesus’ messianic identity, and seeing the weeping hearts of those who loved Jesus I am inclined to think that Simon remained at the site to see what would come of it all.
Part 3: After the Crucifixion
We are not sure if Simon was a follower of Christ before the day of crucifixion. Probably not since the Apostles had not yet gone far and wide on missions yet.
Did Simon become a disciple after the crucifixion? We do not know. However, having walked the road to Golgotha with Jesus, in the midst of Christ going through the atonement, I have no doubt that something important transpired between the two of them. Especially considering that even in such a beaten condition, Jesus forgave the soldiers who nailed him to the cross; he spoke words of comfort to one of the malefactors crucified next to him; he took a short moment to comfort his mother and ensure another capable man would help take care of her; if Jesus took time and effort to bestow these blessings upon others in the midst of his most agonizing moments, than I have no doubt that a similar personal moment happened between Jesus and the man who helped him carry the burden of the cross, Simon of Cyrene.
With the probability of Simon’s personal experience with Christ and having witnessed the interactions of Jesus with others that day, I believe Simon’s mind and heart would have opened to the teachings of the gospel after that day, which would be the first step in becoming a disciple.
There is no record of what happened to Simon the Cyrene after the crucifixion. The only indication we may have is from the book of Roman’s where Paul mentions someone by the name of Rufus. Rufus is the name of one of the sons of Simon. If the Rufus Paul wrote about is Simon of Cyrene’s son then there is a good probability that Simon and his family became disciples of Christ and potentially became missionaries for the cause of Christ.
I believe the experience Simon of Cyrene went through would have been dramatic, I think he could have been shunned for having carried the cross, especially by people who wanted the destruction of Jesus. I think he also would have found a very welcoming group from the Apostles and followers of Jesus, for having helped Jesus when He was unable to carry His own cross.
When did Simon Die?
We do not know how or where Simon the Cyrene died. Some legends holds that Simon himself was also crucified later in his life. However, there are no primary sources that verify this legend.
Simon of Cyrene is as mysterious after the crucifixion of Christ as he was before it. A participant in the final mortal moments of the Savior. We get a fleeting description of this man as he walks onto the pages of history, but just as quickly as he appears he disappears. Yet his moment in history was so significant that it has left millions wondering what his story is.
“Simon” a Work of Fiction
As I dove into these questions a dramatic story emerged in my mind about the man who carried Jesus’ cross. It spanned an empire, was driven by legacy, and was anchored to Simon’s short walk with Christ. From the moment he was compelled to carry to the cross to when he arrived at Golgotha I knew would be a tumultuous and life changing moment. I believe any interaction with the Savior of the World is not by chance. With the vast intricacies and majesty of God’s plan for His children, a personal interaction with the Son of God during his moral ministry, especially in those moments during his atonement, is fascinating. Investigating what the walk from Pilate’s court to Golgotha may have entailed and what the interactions between Simon the Cyrene and Jesus Christ could have been opened my comprehension of what Jesus’ atonement means to each and every one of us regardless of how small or large our faith is in the Savior of the World.
Though it is a work of fiction, I encourage you to read the novel “Simon.” For within the covers of this book I have sought to include an example of how Heavenly Father and our Savior Jesus Christ work to bring each of us closer to them that we might become more like them to help enrich not only our own lives, but all those whom we associate and cross paths with. For in the end, the equation that may most define our life is how well we have loved one another as He has loved us.
Read more about the Writing of Simon:
Inspiration for Writing “Simon”
A Story of the Heart Rather than Appearance