Simon of Cyrene helped carry Jesus' cross on the way to the crucifixion. According to the Synoptic Gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke—Roman soldiers compelled Simon, a man from Cyrene (an ancient city in North Africa, modern- day Libya), to carry the cross because Jesus was too weak after being brutally tortured to carry it himself
. Simon was not a volunteer; he was forced or seized by the soldiers to bear the cross behind Jesus as they led Him to Golgotha
. The Gospels mention that Simon was coming in from the country and that he was the father of Alexander and Rufus, who were likely known figures in the early Christian community
. This act of carrying the cross has been seen as a significant moment, symbolizing both the physical burden Simon bore and the spiritual call to discipleship, as well as an expression of compassion or expediency by the soldiers
. Some traditions suggest Simon later became a Christian and a leader in the early church, though the Bible does not explicitly confirm this
. In summary, Simon of Cyrene was the man who helped Jesus carry His cross, compelled by Roman soldiers during the Passion
