Simon of Cyrene was the man who carried Jesus's cross as Jesus was led to His crucifixion. According to the Synoptic Gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke—Roman soldiers compelled Simon, a passerby from Cyrene, to carry the cross for Jesus because Jesus was no longer able to bear it due to the severe torture He had endured
. The Gospel of John, however, states that Jesus carried His own cross, suggesting that Jesus began carrying it but could not continue far before Simon was pressed into service to carry it the rest of the way
. Simon of Cyrene is identified as the father of Alexander and Rufus, who were likely known figures in the early Christian community, indicating Simon's possible prominence or later involvement in the church
. Cyrene was a city in North Africa (modern-day Libya), and while some traditions depict Simon as African, the Bible does not specify his ethnicity
. In summary, Jesus initially carried His cross, but Simon of Cyrene was compelled by Roman soldiers to carry it for Him on the way to Golgotha. This act is recorded in Matthew 27:32, Mark 15:21, and Luke 23:26, while John 19:17 emphasizes Jesus carrying the cross Himself until he could no longer continue
