Simon of Cyrene was the man who helped Jesus carry the cross as Jesus was led to His crucifixion. According to the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew 27:32, Mark 15:21, and Luke 23:26), Roman soldiers compelled Simon to carry the cross because Jesus was likely too weakened from the torture He had endured to carry it Himself
. Simon was from Cyrene, an ancient city in modern-day Libya, North Africa, which has led to the traditional depiction of him as an African man, though the Bible does not specify his ethnicity
. Mark's Gospel mentions that Simon was "the father of Alexander and Rufus," suggesting his family was known in the early Christian community
. The act of Simon carrying the cross is seen as significant both historically and spiritually. It illustrates Jesus accepting help in His suffering and symbolizes the call for disciples to bear their own crosses in following Him
. The soldiers' compelling of Simon was likely a matter of expediency to ensure Jesus reached the place of crucifixion, though some interpret it as an act of compassion or simply fulfilling the execution orders
. In summary, Simon of Cyrene was the person who assisted Jesus by carrying His cross on the way to Golgotha, pressed into service by the Roman soldiers due to Jesus' weakened state
