What does Simon of Cyrene represent?

Discussion about the New Testament, apocrypha, gnostics, church fathers, Christian origins, historical Jesus or otherwise, etc.
Post Reply
bbyrd009
Posts: 285
Joined: Mon Dec 17, 2018 10:52 am
Location: Ute City, COLO

What does Simon of Cyrene represent?

Post by bbyrd009 »

"Cyrene remained one of the great intellectual centers of the classical world, and scholars of all plumage travelled from and to it. Many of these were Jews as Cyrene was home to an extensive Jewish community. All three synoptic gospels tell of Simon of Cyrene, who was pressed into carrying Jesus' cross to Golgotha (SEE FULL CONCORDANCE). This is of course highly remarkable since Jesus had told his followers that they had to carry their own crosses (MATTHEW 16:24, MARK 8:34, LUKE 9:23)..." http://www.abarim-publications.com/Mean ... dp6knplChC

any thoughts appreciated
"No Son of Man may die for another's sins..." Ezekiel 18:20
Giuseppe
Posts: 13732
Joined: Mon Apr 27, 2015 5:37 am
Location: Italy

Re: What does Simon of Cyrene represent?

Post by Giuseppe »

My view:

Simon of Cyrene was introduced to prove, against Basilides, that the man called Simon was only the bearer of the cross, and not the crucified victim.

Alexander and Rufus are mentioned as the sons of Simon since their role is to confirm this fact (that their father Simon was not crucified but beared only the cross).
Nihil enim in speciem fallacius est quam prava religio. -Liv. xxxix. 16.
User avatar
Joseph D. L.
Posts: 1405
Joined: Sat Nov 11, 2017 2:10 am

Re: What does Simon of Cyrene represent?

Post by Joseph D. L. »

Don't listen to Giuseppe. He doesn't know what he's talking about.

Simon of Cyrene is a proxy for Lukuas, and this is confirmed by the tradition of another Simon being crucified in 117 ad, at the end of the Kitos revolt. Acts of the Apostles has Lucius/Loukios of Cyrene and may very well be a reference to Lukuas.

Rufus and Alexander are the brothers Pappos and Julian Alexander.

In the Gospels, Simon is the original host of the Christ.
Post Reply