Simon of Cyrene Trivia Quiz

Answer: Simon of Cyrene

In the Gospel of Mark 15:21 Simon of Cyrene is forced to carry Jesus's cross and follow behind Him on the way to Golgotha since the scourging and loss of blood had so weakened Him that he could not go on carrying the heavy crossbeam.

Answer: Shahhat, Libya

Cyrene was the oldest and most important of the five Greek cities in the region. It is situated in a valley in the Jebel Akhdar highlands of Eastern Libya.

Answer: Cyrenaica

Cyrene was also the primary location of the Cyrenaics, a reputed school of philosophy in the 3rd century BC, established by Aristippus, a disciple of Socrates. Aristippus' philosophy mainly concerned the ultimate goal or purpose of one's words and actions and what is precious on its own merit. During the Roman period it had a minority population of Jews.

At its peak its population was about 100,000.

Answer: because Mark's gospel mentions the names of his sons

In Mark 15:21 the Bible says, "A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross." The name Rufus is also mentioned by Paul in Romans 6:13.

Answer: As per their orders the soldiers were time bound and wanted to speed proceedings

Historically the Romans were under orders as far as possible to respect the religion and customs of the Jews, possibly to minimise chances of a revolt or uprising. As per John 19:31, the Jewish leaders didn't want the bodies left on the crosses during the Sabbath(the next day was also the Passover Sabbath). Being under orders themselves the Roman soldiers obviously needed to complete proceedings in quick time. They would have chosen the nearest strong, able and fit person to help.

The Roman soldiers or army were unusually amazingly well trained and disciplined especially for their times as is evidenced in Luke 7:1-10 when in Capernaum, Jesus was entreated with a centurion's request and miraculously healed his sick servant. Soldiers or people with military background basically understand obeying orders themselves or giving orders, something which civilians may find strange.

Answer: 30-50 pounds or 15-23 kg

In effect, to Simon, though he was forced to carry the cross and obey the Roman soldiers meaning he would have had little choice, it would have been nothing much for a strong normally healthy man in those days to bear. Please do keep in mind that prior to this Jesus had been already severely weakened by loss of blood from his floggings and beatings that He may not have been able to walk itself much less carry any load.

Answer: Simon was on a pilgrimage to take part in a religious festival

In Mark 15:42 the Bible says the day of crucifixion was the Preparation Day- that is the day before the Passover Sabbath. So the evidence says that Simon was in all probability travelling to Jerusalem to celebrate the feast of Passover. Like all faithful and devout Jews living or settled abroad, the priority was attending this feast day in Jerusalem.

Answer: cross

In Matthew 10:38 and Luke 14:27 Jesus exhorts His followers to bear their cross and follow Him to prove their worthiness and faithfulness, something akin to what Simon had to do for a short duration. Maybe the important thing to realise here is this cross or yoke which is sort of an inconvenience, is only for a short duration and well within one's strength and abilities. Since Simon was on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem and had been travelling, after this experience he would have had more than a well deserved blessed rest and stay in Jerusalem.

Answer: easy

In Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Again Jesus emphasising that this yoke is easy and well within one's strength and abilities and actually provides rest for the weary.

Answer: Gospel

In 1st Corinthians 9:16 Paul says, "For when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, since I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!" The interesting thing is that the word "compelled" Paul uses is similar to the word "forced" used in Simon's experience in Mark 15:21, implying that this would be his yoke or burden. Jesus also used a similar word in the Sermon on the Mount when he said that if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two.

This being the origin of the phrase 'to go the extra mile' in helping someone or in good customer service. Matt 5:41 - NIV Bible