Matthew 27:32

a man of Cyrene, Simon by name (1) "coming out of the country" (Mark and Luke), (2) the father of Alexander and Rufus (Mark).

(1) This has been thought to imply that Simon was returning from work, and hence that it cannot have been the actual day of the Feast. Simon was probably coming into the city for the Paschal sacrifice, the hour for which was close at hand. (2) Rufus is probably the Christian named Romans 16:13, who would be known to St Mark's readers. May not Simon have been one of those "Men of Cyrene" who preached the Word to Greeks when others preached to the Jews only? (Acts 11:20.) (3) The inference that he was already an adherent of Christ is quite uncertain.

Cyrene A city in north-eastern Africa, famous for the beauty of its position. A large colony of Jews had settled there, as in other African and Egyptian cities, to avoid the oppression of the Syrian kings.

compelled See note ch. Matthew 5:41, where the same word is used, and the custom referred to of which this is an instance.