Unexpected Legacies: Simon Cyrene, The Cross-bearer

Matthew J. Elliott

Depiction of Simon of Cyrene 

The story of Simon of Cyrene is a significant telling of a man being forced to carry the cross of Jesus on the road to Golgotha. It was a road marked with suffering and pain for many. The way the story is told in scripture is no doubt one of the most important events recorded in the Gospels. However, we aren’t told who Simon of Cyrene was. 

When most people think about Simon of Cyrene, all they see is a bystander who was in the wrong place at the wrong time. They see a man who was forced to give in to the pressure of Rome and serve them in this seemingly insignificant way. There is a deeper purpose in all of this, though, one that is not illustrated in scripture. Take a moment to imagine that you were the person forced to carry the cross. Would that not have a significant impact on you in more ways than one? That is the part of history that my imagination connects with in the stories I write. 

By exploring the Gospel accounts—their narratives, parables, and miracles—we can deepen our understanding of his character and message. In Matthew, we are told that Simon was ‘forced’ to carry the cross. When we read the same story in the Gospel of Mark, we learn Simon was ‘coming from another country’, showing that Jerusalem was not his home. 

Luke comes in with even more details, stating that he carried the cross behind Jesus. This suggests that Simon knew who Jesus was and that he respected him as a spiritual leader. When we go back to Mark, we are given one more detail that is important. “Simon was the father of Alexander and Rufus.” This detail shows that Mark would have known who Simon was, and others would, too. Mark’s identification of him and his family made them known to the early church. 

Family history was important to a man’s identity and lasting reputation in the biblical world. It meant everything to the early believers. This matters because the Gospel of Mark was likely written in Rome. Since John Mark likely worked with Peter to write his gospel, they would have done so when the two of them were in Rome around 65 AD. Many believe, however, that the Gospel of Mark was written before this time. Maybe we can save that for another article, but the two Early Church leaders would have had to spend time together to write. 

Ruins in Antioch of Syria

In the book of Romans, Paul even mentions Simon of Cyrene’s son, Rufus and his Mother. This speaks to the idea that Simon was more than a bystander who was in Jerusalem on the day Jesus was being crucified. Paul and the Roman Church knew who Simon of Cyrene was because they knew who his son and wife were. Knowing how strong this possibility is, our cross-bearer must have had a bigger role in the Early Church. 

There is a story in Acts 13:1-3. In this chapter, we are introduced to four people: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger and Lucius of Cyrene, and then a man named Manaen. During this time, scripture states that these four men were set apart for the Lord’s work. There is more to the story, but for now, let’s focus on Simeon (also called Niger). Simeon is a Greek name, and Simon is the same name in Hebrew. From history, we already know that Simon of Cyrene was from Northern Africa because Cyrene is a city in modern-day Libya. So, it is plausible that Simeon, called Niger, and Simon of Cyrene, are the same person. 

The Simeon from Acts was a person of influence in Antioch in Syria. This is a city well-known in Biblical history. It was filled with a diverse population, and many missionary journeys began or ended there. While scripture does not completely verify the connection between these two men, it is a strong possibility that they are the same. This becomes even more of a possibility when we take a deeper look at how John Mark writes about them in his gospel. 

Depiction of the Cross-bearer

If there is something more to the connection between these two figures of the Early Church. This would mean that the man who was forced to carry the cross became something much more. The impact that the events of the crucifixion would have had on him would have opened the door for him. If you take this even further, it also shows how important his children became to the church in Rome as well. 

Simon’s legacy, built either by him or his sons, reminds us how unexpected legacies form. Even random acts of kindness, though forced, can have a deep and lasting impact on the world. Simon was at the very least an ordinary man who took up the cross when Jesus, in his humanity, needed help the most. While this act was forced upon him, he offered compassion when no one else would or could. Simon’s role in the crucifixion offers a message of hope and inspiration amid the suffering and injustice that Jesus experienced. 

The belief that even a common man, wrongly placed and timed, could still stand firm and believe in his purpose, is meaningful. His legacy invites us to reflect on how we can carry the cross, both literally and figuratively, into our own lives and communities. What do you think? Could Simon of Cyrene and Simeon called Niger have been the same person? 

~ Biography ~

Matthew James Elliott (M.J. Elliott) is a passionate writer who loves to encourage and inspire others. He served in various ministry roles for over 15 years, which gave him a unique perspective on people and Biblical History. Matthew holds a degree in Biblical Studies from Oklahoma Wesleyan University, with a focus on Pastoral Care, Christian Education, and Worship.

Matthew and his wife, Traci, have three children named Leyla, Caleb, and Hannah, who bring them immense joy and inspiration. As a writer, his goal is to share love, equip others, and edify them for the greater good. He loves connecting any amount of scripture to his stories and uses his knowledge of Biblical History to do so often.

You can find Matthew's works on Amazon, Goodreads, Facebook, and His Website. He has written Devotionals, An Episodic Series, Novellas, and even Commentaries for The Gospel Daily.

~ Highlighted Release ~

My Newest Biblical Fiction Novel, The Hope of Inheritance, is coming out on Father's Day.

One Story Still Untold. Four Unlikely Authors. Together their Message will Speak to Many.

The city of Rome was a vast and beautiful place-- on the surface. That is, until a great fire burned and destroyed most of it. Deep in a world hidden from those who would strike against them, four unlikely men work together to share a message of truth. This truth was spoken by those who were cut down because of the calling to go forth and preach. 

The message has always been clear: The hope of our inheritance is Christ living within each of us. In the echoes of persecution, sorrow, and even death, this message still reigns supreme, but will the people listen? Only time will tell, but before anything, these four men must come together and unite a church separated by fear and suffering.