Bible Figure
Rufus
first-century Christian mentioned in Mark 15:21
Rufus was a Christian named in Romans 16 and may be the same Rufus identified in Mark as a son of Simon of Cyrene, though Scripture does not explicitly make the connection.
Biography
Mark 15:21 identifies Simon of Cyrene, who carried Jesus' cross, as the father of Alexander and Rufus. Romans 16:13 contains Paul's greeting to a Rufus 'chosen in the Lord' and to his mother, whom Paul affectionately calls a mother to him as well. Because Mark's audience is often associated with Rome, many have suggested the same Rufus is intended, but this cannot be proven from the text.
Biblical Significance
Rufus represents an early Christian connection that may link the passion narrative with Paul's Roman acquaintances, but the proposed identification should remain clearly qualified.