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Rufus (biblical figure)

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Rufus ("Red") was a first-century Christian mentioned in Mark 15:21 with his brother Alexander, whose father "Simon a Cyrenian" was compelled to help carry the cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified.

"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."

According to Easton's Bible Dictionary, he was probably the same Rufus mentioned in Romans 16:13, whose mother, were among those to whom Paul sent greetings in his epistle to the Romans; this is speculated to be Rufus of Thebes.[1]

Because the author of Mark likely knew Alexander and Rufus, Simon’s role during the Crucifixion is likely historical memory.[2] Mentioning Alexander and Rufus by name could imply that they would have been known to contemporary readers of the gospel, particularly in Rome where the gospel was likely directed.[3][4] Mark casts Simon's sons as children of an eyewitness who could affirm their father's testimony, stymieing attempts to cast the passion narrative as a literary invention.[5]

See also

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References

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  1. ↑ Easton's Bible Dictionary - "Rufus"
  2. ↑ Collins, Adela (2007). Mark. Fortress Press. p. 734. ISBN 978-0800660789. The mention of Simon of Cyrene is likely to be historical reminiscence. The memory of his forced service was maintained because his sons, Alexander and Rufus, were known to the earliest audiences of the narrative. The fact that Mark retains the reference to the sons suggests that they were known to the evangelist and to at least some members of his audiences.
  3. ↑ Wilson, A. N. (2015). The Book Of The People: How To Read The Bible. Atlantic Books. p. 171. ISBN 978-1-84887-961-4.
  4. ↑ Ludwig, Charles (1989). At The Cross. Warner Press. p. 56. ISBN 978-0-87162-596-0.
  5. ↑ Syreeni, Kari (2016). Social Memory and Social Identity in the Study of Early Judaism and Early Christianity. Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht Gmbh & Co. p. 91. ISBN 978-3525593752.
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