Rufus and his mother
Simon of Cyrene's son and wife
Rufus was the son of Simon of Cyrene, the man who was forced to carry Jesus' cross. Rufus and his mother later became known in the early church, and Paul sends them greetings in Romans, where he also calls Rufus' mother his own mother.
Family
Key events
The Father's Carrying of the Cross
Rufus' father Simon of Cyrene was forced by Roman soldiers to carry Jesus' cross to Golgotha. Mark identifies Simon as the father of Alexander and Rufus.
Paul's Greeting to Rufus
In the closing of Romans, Paul sends greetings to Rufus, whom he calls 'the chosen one in the Lord.' This suggests that Rufus was a well-known and respected believer in the church at Rome.
Rufus' Mother as Paul's Mother
Paul also greets Rufus' mother and calls her his own mother, showing that she had shown him maternal care and hospitality, perhaps during his missionary journeys.