Cyrene in Easton's Bible Dictionary
a city (now Tripoli) in Upper Libya, North Africa, founded
by a
colony of Greeks (B.C. 630). It contained latterly a
large
number of Jews, who were introduced into the city by
Ptolemy,
the son of Lagus, because he thought they would
contribute to
the security of the place. They increased in number
and
influence; and we are thus prepared for the frequent
references
to them in connection with the early history of
Christianity.
Simon, who bore our Lord's cross, was a native of
this place
(Matt. 27:32; Mark 15:21). Jews from Cyrene were in
Jerusalem at
Pentecost (Acts 2:10); and Cyrenian Jews had a
synagogue at
Jerusalem (6:9). Converts belonging to Cyrene
contributed to the
formation of the first Gentile church at Antioch
(11:20). Among
"the prophets and teachers" who "ministered to the
Lord at
Antioch" was Lucius of Cyrene (13:1).
Read More about Cyrene in Easton's Bible Dictionary
