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Founded by Dorian Greeks around 630 BC, Cyrene was an ancient city on the north coast of Africa, situated near present-day Tripoli, Libya. It was the home of many renowned Greeks, including the poet Callimachus and the mathematician Eratosthenes. Although the Old Testament makes no mention of Cyrene, it became important in New Testament times because of its large Jewish population, dispersed there by Pharaoh Ptolemy I. Once a very populous city, Cyrene declined for several reasons. In a Jewish revolt in AD 115-116, over 200,000 inhabitants of the city died in the rioting. A disastrous earthquake in AD 365 contributed to its further decline. With the Arab invasion of AD 642, the city was deserted. Except for archeological digs, the site is now a wasteland occupied by Bedouins. Cyrenians were present at the church's first Pentecost (Acts 2:10), and some were converted and subsequently scattered in the persecution that followed Stephen's death (Acts 11:19-20). Interestingly, many similarities exist between the city of Cyrene and the modern history of God's church. The most notable citizen from Cyrene may or may not be a familiar name, but an act that he performed is most certainly well known. Simon of Cyrene did something that may seem insignificant at first glance, but probably meant a great deal to the One that he was made to help, as well as for each of us today. Matthew, Mark, and Luke all record his deed: » Matthew 27:32: Now as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name. Him they compelled to bear His cross. » Mark 15:21: Then they compelled a certain man, Simon a Cyrenian, the father of Alexander and Rufus, as he was coming out of the country and passing by, to bear His cross. » Luke 23:26: Now as they led Him away, they laid hold of a certain man, Simon a Cyrenian, who was coming from the country, and on him they laid the cross that he might bear it after Jesus. Of course, the deed he performed was to help Jesus carry the stake on which He would soon suffer crucifixion. While it may seem a little difficult to put ourselves in Simon's place, it is important to think about what he actually did. In a very critical time and circumstance, Simon gave of himself to the Savior of all mankind. At this point, when Christ was very close to the end of His life, Simon's help was a personal act that may seem insignificant, but God considers it important enough to mention it three times in His Word.
Staff
Small, But Significant
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