Overview
Rufus is mentioned twice in Scripture, first as the son of Simon of Cyrene, the man compelled to carry Jesus' cross during the crucifixion. Later, he appears as a respected member of the Roman church, suggesting he may have become a believer through his family's encounter with Christ.
Key Scriptures
"They compelled a passerby, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross." (Mark 15:21, ESV)
"Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord; also his mother and mine." (Romans 16:13, ESV)
Application
Rufus' journey from witnessing Christ's suffering to becoming a valued member of God's church reminds us that encounters with Jesus transform lives and can affect entire families for generations.
✦ Scripture References 2 references
✦ Topical Scripture Breakdown 2 verses
Probably identical with the Rufus mentioned by Paul
Son of Simon