Rufus: Son of Simon
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Rufus is a biblical figure mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the Gospel of Mark. He is identified as the son of Simon of Cyrene, the man compelled by Roman soldiers to carry the cross of Jesus on the way to Golgotha. The reference to Rufus is found in Mark 15:21: "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" .

The mention of Rufus in the Gospel of Mark suggests that he was a person of some significance within the early Christian community, likely known to the readers of the Gospel. This is inferred from the fact that Mark identifies Simon by his sons, Alexander and Rufus, implying that these individuals were recognizable to the audience.

Rufus is also mentioned in the Apostle Paul's Epistle to the Romans. In Romans 16:13, Paul writes, "Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me as well" . This greeting indicates that Rufus was a member of the Christian community in Rome and held in high regard by Paul. The phrase "chosen in the Lord" suggests a special recognition of Rufus's faith and standing within the church.

The reference to Rufus's mother, who is noted for her nurturing role towards Paul, further highlights the family's involvement and significance in the early Christian movement. This familial connection between Simon of Cyrene and the Roman church underscores the spread of the Gospel and the interconnectedness of early Christian communities.

While the Bible does not provide extensive details about Rufus's life or ministry, the mentions in Mark and Romans suggest that he was a respected figure among early Christians. His family's association with the pivotal event of Jesus's crucifixion and their subsequent involvement in the church reflect the transformative impact of the Gospel message across different regions and cultures.

The identification of Rufus in both the Gospel of Mark and the Epistle to the Romans provides a glimpse into the lives of those who were part of the early church and their contributions to the spread of Christianity. Rufus's legacy, as recorded in Scripture, serves as a testament to the enduring influence of those who witnessed and embraced the message of Christ.
Nave's Topical Index
Mark 15:21
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.
Nave's Topical Index

Greek
4504. Rhouphos -- "red," Rufus, a Christian at Rome
... fos) Short Definition: Rufus Definition: Rufus, a Christian man in Rome, probably
to be identified with the brother of Alexander and son of Simon of Cyrene. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4504.htm - 6k
Library

How Titus Exhibited all Sorts of Shows at Cesarea Philippi. ...
... was informed of the seizure of Simon the son of Gioras ... Now Simon would not tell them,
but bid them call for ... when they ran to call him, Terentius Rufus [2] who ...
/.../chapter 2 how titus exhibited.htm

Now Herod and Philip Built Several Cities in Honor of Caesar. ...
... to be procurator of Judea, and to succeed Annius Rufus. ... in a little time, and ordained
Eleazar, the son of Ananus ... and gave the high priesthood to Simon, the son ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 2 now herod and.htm

The Last Siege of the Jews under Adrian.
... his coins make it probable that it was Simon), claiming to ... He took the name Bar-Cochba,
"Son of a star ... war finally broke out between him and Rufus, the governor ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter vi the last siege of.htm

Via Dolorosa
... the Christians of Rome; and in the Epistle to the Romans one Rufus is mentioned ... is
not much probability that any of them is to be identified with Simon's son. ...
/.../stalker/the trial and death of jesus christ/chapter x via dolorosa.htm

The Sentence to this Effect, Then, Having Been Passed by Pilate...
... and gave it to a man that met them, Simon by name, who had also two sons, Alexander
and Rufus. ... mother cried out with a loud voice, saying: My son, my son ...
/.../unknown/the gospel of nicodemus /chapter 10 the sentence to.htm

Landmarks in the History of Early Christianity
... 61, 98-120, 126, 128 cult of, 6 Rufus, 17 Rusticus ... 87 Shaoshyant, 20 Shema, 16, 17
Sheol, 21 Simon Magus, 125 Sin, 119 Solomon, Psalms of, 52, 54 Son, 86, 100 ...
/.../lake/landmarks in the history of early christianity/index 2.htm

The Death which Gives Life
... 'And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian ... coming out of the country, the father of Alexander
and Rufus, to bear ... the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/the death which gives life.htm

And when Pilate Heard this Saying, He Took Jesus Out...
... a man, a Cyrenian, coming from the country, named Simon, the father of Alexander
and Rufus: [3557] and ... 3588] save thyself if thou art the Son [37] of God ...
/.../hogg/the diatessaron of tatian/section li and when pilate.htm

Friday --The Day of Suffering.
... he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God ... they came out, they laid
hold upon one Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus, who was ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his last week/fridaythe day of suffering.htm

A Sedition against Sabinus; and How Varus Brought the Authors of ...
... of the king's troops deserted to them, while Rufus and Gratus ... 5. There was also Judas,
[16] the son of that ... 6. There was also Simon, who had been a slave of ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 10 a sedition against.htm

Resources
Who was Rufus in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who helped Jesus carry the cross? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Simon of Cyrene? | GotQuestions.org

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Rufus: Probably Identical With the Rufus In
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