Alexander Ἀλέξανδρος
Son of Simon who carried the cross
Who is Alexander in the Bible?
Alexander was the son of Simon of Cyrene, who was compelled by Roman soldiers to carry Jesus' cross on the way to his crucifixion (Mark 15:21). Though Alexander himself is not described performing any actions in the Gospel account, his mention alongside his brother Rufus suggests that both sons were known to the early Christian community for which Mark wrote his Gospel. The naming of these otherwise minor figures indicates they may have become followers of Jesus or held significance in the early church, making their brief appearance in the crucifixion narrative a testament to how Jesus' death touched and transformed the lives of those who witnessed it, even those initially forced into participation.
Biography
Alexander is mentioned briefly in the Gospel of Mark as the son of Simon of Cyrene, along with his brother Rufus. (Mrk.15.21)
Simon of Cyrene, their father, was a passerby who was coming from the country when he encountered the procession leading Jesus to the crucifixion site. The Roman soldiers compelled Simon to carry Jesus' cross, likely because Jesus was exhausted from the physical abuse he had endured. (Mrk.15.21)
The mention of Alexander and Rufus suggests that they were known to the early Christian community for which Mark wrote his Gospel. The fact that they are named indicates that they may have become followers of Jesus or were at least familiar to the readers of the Gospel.
Cyrene was a city in present-day Libya, and the presence of Simon and his sons in Jerusalem during the Passover festival suggests that they were Jewish pilgrims who had come to celebrate the feast.
Apart from this brief mention, no further information is provided about Alexander's life, his reaction to his father's involvement in Jesus' crucifixion, or his subsequent role in the early Christian community.
The inclusion of Alexander and Rufus in the Gospel narrative serves to provide a historical detail and to connect the story of Jesus' crucifixion to individuals who were known to the early church.
Family
In Scripture
1 biblical book ; 1 with study contentMark 1 verse
- Mark 15:21
"Now Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and the soldiers forced him to carry the cross of Jesus."
Study Mark →
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Greek | Ἀλέξανδρος |