Definition: And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that passage from Mark. It’s a really important and somewhat shocking part of the story of Jesus’ crucifixion. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Jesus is being crucified. This was a very painful death – he was beaten and cut, and ultimately died on a cross. Simon is present. A man named Simon is standing near Jesus’ tomb. He’s a Cyrenian, which means he’s known for his generosity and kindness. The crowd compels him to do something: The people who were watching – the crowd – are urging Simon to do something. They want him to take a specific action. What’s happening in Mark 15:21? This verse says, “And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian…” Let's unpack that: "They compel" : This means the people were demanding something of Simon. They weren’t just asking him to do something; they were actively pushing him towards it. “Simon a Cyrenian” : This identifies him as a man who had already been kind and generous to others – he was known for his compassion. It’s highlighting a character trait that makes him important. “Who passed by, coming out of the country” : This is a crucial detail. He wasn't just standing near the tomb; he left . It suggests a deliberate act of rebellion or defiance. “The father of Alexander and Rufus” : This is where it gets really strange. Simon’s family name is Alexander and Rufus, who were wealthy landowners. This adds a layer of significance – his leaving the country points to a potential betrayal or a challenge to Roman authority. So, what does this verse mean ? It's interpreted as Jesus being deliberately manipulated into doing something that would ultimately lead to his death. The crowd is urging Simon to take on a task that was designed to cause him pain and suffering. Important Note: The exact details of why this happened are debated among scholars, but it’s generally understood as a carefully orchestrated move by the Roman authorities to make Jesus' crucifixion more dramatic and to potentially prevent him from being easily executed. In short, Mark 15:21 describes a moment where a crowd is urging Simon to do something that would cause significant pain for him, suggesting a deliberate act of manipulation. --- Would you like me to: Explain any part in more detail? Discuss the context of this passage within the larger story of Jesus’ crucifixion?