26. Cyrenian--of Cyrene, in Libya, on the north coast of Africa,
where were many Jews who had a synagogue at Jerusalem
(Ac 6:9,
and see
Ac 2:10).
He was "the father of Alexander and Rufus"
(Mr 15:21),
probably better known afterwards than himself, as disciples. (See
Ro 16:13).
out of the country--and casually drawn into that part of the crowd.
laid the cross--"Him they compel to bear His cross,"
(Mt 27:32)
--sweet compulsion, if it issued in him or his sons voluntarily
"taking up their cross!" It would appear that our Lord had first
to bear His own cross
(Joh 19:17),
but being from exhaustion unable to proceed, it was laid on another to
bear it "after Him."
JFB.
Picture Study Bible