Cyrene was an ancient city located in the region of Cyrenaica, in present-day Libya, North Africa. It holds significant historical and biblical importance, particularly in the context of the New Testament. Cyrene was founded by Greek settlers around 630 BC and became a prominent center of Greek culture and learning. It was known for its intellectual and philosophical contributions, as well as its fertile land and trade.

Biblical References:

1. Simon of Cyrene: One of the most notable mentions of Cyrene in the Bible is in the context of Simon of Cyrene, who was compelled to carry the cross of Jesus Christ on the way to Golgotha. This event is recorded in the Synoptic Gospels. In Mark 15:21 , it states, "Now Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross." This passage highlights the significant role that a man from Cyrene played in the Passion of Christ.

2. Cyrenian Jews: Cyrene was home to a substantial Jewish community, which is evident from the presence of Cyrenian Jews in Jerusalem during the time of the early church. Acts 2:10 mentions visitors from Cyrene among those present at Pentecost: "Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome." This indicates the widespread dispersion of Jews and their participation in significant religious events.

3. The Synagogue of the Freedmen: In Acts 6:9 , Cyrenians are mentioned as part of the Synagogue of the Freedmen, which opposed Stephen: "But some from the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)—Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria, as well as from Cilicia and Asia—rose up and disputed with Stephen." This highlights the active involvement of Cyrenian Jews in the religious and social life of Jerusalem.

4. Early Christian Church: Cyrenians also played a role in the spread of Christianity. In Acts 11:20 , it is recorded that men from Cyprus and Cyrene went to Antioch and began preaching to the Greeks: "But some of them, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began speaking to the Greeks as well, proclaiming the good news about the Lord Jesus." This demonstrates the missionary zeal and influence of Cyrenian believers in the early church.

Historical and Cultural Context:

Cyrene was a melting pot of cultures, with Greek, Roman, and Jewish influences. The city was renowned for its schools of philosophy and medicine, attracting scholars and students from various regions. The Jewish community in Cyrene was significant, and many Jews from Cyrene traveled to Jerusalem for religious festivals, as evidenced by their presence at Pentecost.

The mention of Cyrene in the New Testament underscores the interconnectedness of the ancient world and the spread of the Gospel beyond the borders of Judea. Cyrenian believers contributed to the early Christian movement, demonstrating the fulfillment of the Great Commission as the message of Christ reached diverse peoples and regions.

Cyrene's legacy in biblical history is marked by its contributions to the early church and its role in pivotal events surrounding the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.Cyre'ne (5 Occurrences)

Matthew 27:32
And coming forth, they found a man, a Cyrenian, by name Simon: him they impressed that he might bear his cross;
(See RSV)

Mark 15:21
And they impress a certain one passing by -- Simon, a Cyrenian, coming from the field, the father of Alexander and Rufus -- that he may bear his cross,
(See RSV)

Luke 23:26
And as they led him away, having taken hold on Simon, a certain Cyrenian, coming from the field, they put on him the cross, to bear 'it' behind Jesus.
(See RSV)

Acts 2:10
Phrygia also, and Pamphylia, Egypt, and the parts of Libya, that 'are' along Cyrene, and the strangers of Rome, both Jews and proselytes,
(See RSV)

Acts 11:20
and there were certain of them men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who having entered into Antioch, were speaking unto the Hellenists, proclaiming good news -- the Lord Jesus,
(See RSV)

Cyre'ne (5 Occurrences)
Cyre'ne. Cyrene, Cyre'ne. Cyrenian . Multi-Version Concordance Cyre'ne
(5 Occurrences). Matthew 27:32 And coming forth, they found ...
/c/cyre'ne.htm - 7k

Cyrene (7 Occurrences)

/c/cyrene.htm - 13k

Cyrenian (3 Occurrences)

/c/cyrenian.htm - 8k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus