Simon of Cyrene Bible — KJV Bible Study Guide
A free 10-lesson Bible study guide on simon of cyrene bible, drawn entirely from the King James Version. Each lesson opens with a study question, gives the verse reference, and offers a short teaching note. Use it for personal devotions, a small group, or a Sunday school class.
The 10 lessons
Lesson 1 · Matthew 27:32 (KJV)
From what city was Simon?
Answer: Cyrene
Study note. And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross. (Matthew 27:32)
Lesson 2 · Matthew 27:32 (KJV)
What did the soldiers compel Simon to do?
Answer: Bear his cross
Study note. ...him they compelled to bear his cross. (Matthew 27:32)
Lesson 3 · Mark 15:21 (KJV)
From where was Simon coming when he was compelled?
Answer: Out of the country
Study note. 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. (Mark 15:21)
Lesson 4 · Mark 15:21 (KJV)
Who were Simon's two sons (mentioned by Mark)?
Answer: Alexander and Rufus
Study note. ...the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross. (Mark 15:21)
Lesson 5 · Luke 23:26 (KJV)
Where did Simon carry the cross?
Answer: After Jesus
Study note. And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyrenian, coming out of the country, and on him they laid the cross, that he might bear it after Jesus. (Luke 23:26)
Lesson 6 · Matthew 16:24 (KJV)
What did Jesus say about His own cross-bearing?
Answer: If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me
Study note. Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. (Matthew 16:24)
Lesson 7 · Matthew 27:32 (KJV)
Where is Cyrene located?
Answer: In North Africa (modern Libya)
Study note. Cyrene was a Greek city in North Africa (modern eastern Libya), home to a sizable Jewish community. Simon was likely a pilgrim attending Passover.
Lesson 8 · Mark 15:21 (KJV)
What feast was being kept when Simon bore the cross?
Answer: The Passover
Study note. Now upon the first day of the feast of unleavened bread, when they killed the passover... (Mark 14:12) — Simon was likely in Jerusalem to keep Passover.
Lesson 9 · Mark 15:21 (KJV)
What does Mark imply about Simon's family being known to his readers?
Answer: Alexander and Rufus must have been known among the early Christians
Study note. Mark names Alexander and Rufus (Mark 15:21) presuming they were familiar to his Roman readers — possibly the same Rufus Paul greets in Romans 16:13.
Lesson 10 · Mark 15:22 (KJV)
What was Golgotha, where Simon brought the cross?
Answer: The place of a skull
Study note. And they bring him unto the place Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, The place of a skull. (Mark 15:22)
Key verses to memorize
The passages this study returns to most often — pick one or two and commit them to memory this week.
Discussion questions
- Which lesson in this study surprised you the most, and why?
- How does simon of cyrene bible point us to Jesus Christ and the gospel?
- Pick one verse from the key passages above. How does it shape the way you will pray, read, or live this week?
- Who in your life could you share one of these truths with in the next seven days?