The Cyrenaeans were inhabitants of Cyrene, an ancient city located in the region of Cyrenaica, in present-day Libya, North Africa. Cyrene was a prominent Greek colony founded around 630 BC and became a significant center of commerce and culture in the Hellenistic world. By the time of the New Testament, Cyrene had a substantial Jewish population, which played a notable role in the early Christian church.

Biblical References

1. Simon of Cyrene: One of the most well-known Cyrenaeans in the Bible is Simon of Cyrene. He is mentioned in the Synoptic Gospels as the man compelled by Roman soldiers to carry the cross of Jesus on the way to Golgotha. In Mark 15:21 , it states, "Now Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross." This brief mention highlights the presence and involvement of Cyrenaeans in the events surrounding the crucifixion of Jesus.

2. Pentecost: Cyrenaeans were present in Jerusalem during the Feast of Pentecost, as recorded in Acts 2:10 , which lists "visitors from Rome, both Jews and converts to Judaism; Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!" This indicates that Cyrenaeans were among the diverse group of Jews and proselytes who witnessed the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and heard the apostles speaking in various languages.

3. The Church in Antioch: Cyrenaeans played a significant role in the spread of Christianity beyond Jerusalem. Acts 11:20 notes, "But some of them, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began speaking to the Greeks as well, proclaiming the good news about the Lord Jesus." These Cyrenaean believers were instrumental in the establishment of the church in Antioch, which became a pivotal center for early Christian missionary activity.

4. Lucius of Cyrene: In Acts 13:1 , Lucius of Cyrene is mentioned as one of the prophets and teachers in the church at Antioch: "Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch), and Saul." Lucius's inclusion among the leaders of the Antioch church underscores the influence and leadership of Cyrenaeans in the early Christian community.

Historical and Cultural Context

Cyrene was a melting pot of Greek, Roman, and Jewish cultures, which is reflected in the diverse backgrounds of its inhabitants. The Jewish community in Cyrene was significant enough to have its own synagogue in Jerusalem, as suggested by Acts 6:9 , which mentions the "Synagogue of the Freedmen (including Cyrenians and Alexandrians)." This indicates the active participation of Cyrenaeans in the religious life of the Jewish diaspora.

The Cyrenaeans' involvement in the early church highlights the fulfillment of the Great Commission, as the gospel spread from Jerusalem to Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). Their presence in key biblical events and locations demonstrates the interconnectedness of the ancient world and the diverse backgrounds of the early Christian believers.

Antioch
... not start among the native Jews but among the Hellenists"those who belonged to the
synagogues of the freedmen and of the Cyrenaeans, Alexandrians, Cilicians ...
/.../lake/landmarks in the history of early christianity/iii antioch.htm

Landmarks in the History of Early Christianity
... 124, 128 Councils, local, 6 Creation, 84 Crescens, 127 Cross, 79 Cults, Graeco-Oriental,
5, 8, 69, 74 sacramental, 4, 12, 105 Cyprian, 103 Cyrenaeans, 58 Cyrus ...
/.../lake/landmarks in the history of early christianity/index 2.htm

Cyrenaeans (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Cyrenaeans (2 Occurrences). Acts 6:9 But some members
of the so-called 'Synagogue of the Freed-men,' together ...
/c/cyrenaeans.htm - 7k

Cyrene (7 Occurrences)

/c/cyrene.htm - 13k

Freed-men (1 Occurrence)
... Acts 6:9 But some members of the so-called 'Synagogue of the Freed-men,' together
with some Cyrenaeans, Alexandrians, Cilicians and men from Roman Asia, were ...
/f/freed-men.htm - 6k

Roused (24 Occurrences)
... Acts 6:9 But some members of the so-called 'Synagogue of the Freed-men,' together
with some Cyrenaeans, Alexandrians, Cilicians and men from Roman Asia, were ...
/r/roused.htm - 13k

Encounter (10 Occurrences)
... Acts 6:9 But some members of the so-called 'Synagogue of the Freed-men,' together
with some Cyrenaeans, Alexandrians, Cilicians and men from Roman Asia, were ...
/e/encounter.htm - 10k

Debate (13 Occurrences)
... Acts 6:9 But some members of the so-called 'Synagogue of the Freed-men,' together
with some Cyrenaeans, Alexandrians, Cilicians and men from Roman Asia, were ...
/d/debate.htm - 11k

Members (54 Occurrences)
... Acts 6:9 But some members of the so-called 'Synagogue of the Freed-men,' together
with some Cyrenaeans, Alexandrians, Cilicians and men from Roman Asia, were ...
/m/members.htm - 21k

Cyprians (1 Occurrence)
... Acts 11:20 But some of them were Cyprians and Cyrenaeans, who, on coming to Antioch,
spoke to the Greeks also and told them the Good News concerning the Lord ...
/c/cyprians.htm - 7k

Cyrenaean (3 Occurrences)

/c/cyrenaean.htm - 7k

Cilicians (1 Occurrence)
... Acts 6:9 But some members of the so-called 'Synagogue of the Freed-men,' together
with some Cyrenaeans, Alexandrians, Cilicians and men from Roman Asia, were ...
/c/cilicians.htm - 6k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus