Commentaries:
Robertson's Word Pictures (NT)
They compel (aggareuousin). Dramatic present indicative again where Matthew 27:32 has the aorist. For this Persian word see on Matthew 5:41; Matthew 27:32.
Coming out of the country (erxomenon ap agrou). Hence Simon met the procession. Mark adds that he was "the father of Alexander and Rufus." Paul mentions a Rufus in Romans 16:13, but it was a common name and proves nothing. See on Matthew 27:32 for discussion of cross-bearing by criminals. Luke adds "after Jesus" (opisqen tou Ihsou). But Jesus bore his own cross till he was relieved of it, and he walked in front of his own cross for the rest of the way.
Other Robertson's Word Pictures (NT) entries containing Mark 15:21:
Luke 23:26
John 19:17
Romans 16:13
DISCLAIMER: Church of the Great God (CGG) provides these resources to aid the individual in studying the Bible. However, it is up to the individual to "prove all things, and hold fast to that which is good" (I Thessalonians 5:21). The content of these resources does not necessarily reflect the views of CGG. They are provided for information purposes only.