Topical Encyclopedia Alexander is mentioned in the New Testament as one of the sons of Simon of Cyrene, the man compelled by Roman soldiers to carry the cross of Jesus Christ on the way to Golgotha. The reference to Alexander is found in the Gospel of Mark, which states: "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" (Mark 15:21).The mention of Alexander and his brother Rufus suggests that they were known to the early Christian community, possibly indicating their involvement or significance within the early Church. The Gospel of Mark, believed to have been written for a Roman audience, includes these names likely because they were recognizable figures among the believers in Rome or other early Christian communities. The identification of Alexander as the son of Simon of Cyrene provides a familial connection to a pivotal moment in the Passion narrative. Simon's act of bearing the cross is seen as a symbol of discipleship and sharing in the sufferings of Christ. This connection may have had a profound impact on Alexander and his family, potentially influencing their faith and role within the early Church. While the New Testament does not provide further details about Alexander's life or ministry, the mention of his name alongside his brother Rufus in Mark's Gospel implies that they were individuals of some standing or influence among the early Christians. Some scholars speculate that Rufus mentioned in Romans 16:13, where Paul greets "Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me, too" , could be the same Rufus, thereby suggesting a continued legacy of faith within the family. The brief mention of Alexander in the Gospel narrative serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of the early Christian community and the diverse backgrounds of those who came to follow Jesus. Alexander's familial link to Simon of Cyrene highlights the far-reaching impact of Christ's crucifixion and the diverse individuals who played roles, both large and small, in the unfolding of the Gospel account. Nave's Topical Index Mark 15:21And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross. Nave's Topical Index Library Via Dolorosa An Eye-Witness's Account of the Crucifixion Appendix iv. An Abstract of Jewish History from the Reign of ... The Procession of Sorrow Crucified, Dead, and Buried. ' The Ascension Love's Prodigality Censured and vindicated Enduring to the End One Argument which Has Been Much Relied Upon but not More than Its ... Why Saul Became Paul Resources Who was Alexander the coppersmith in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho were Hymenaeus and Alexander, and what does it mean that their faith was shipwrecked? | GotQuestions.org Does the Bible mention Alexander the Great? | GotQuestions.org Alexander: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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