The Cyre'nians were inhabitants of Cyrene, an ancient city located in the region of Cyrenaica in present-day Libya, North Africa. Cyrene was a prominent Greek colony founded around 630 BC and became a significant center of Hellenistic culture and learning. By the time of the New Testament, Cyrene had a substantial Jewish population, which played a notable role in the early Christian church.

Biblical References:

1. Simon of Cyrene: One of the most well-known Cyre'nians in the Bible is Simon of Cyrene. He is mentioned in the Synoptic Gospels as the man compelled by Roman soldiers to carry the cross of Jesus on the way to Golgotha. In Mark 15:21 , it states, "Now Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross." This incident highlights the presence and involvement of Cyre'nians in the events surrounding the crucifixion of Jesus.

2. Pentecost: Cyre'nians were present in Jerusalem during the Feast of Pentecost, as recorded in Acts 2:10 , which lists "visitors from Rome, both Jews and converts to Judaism; Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!" This indicates that Cyre'nians were among the diverse group of Jews and proselytes who witnessed the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and heard the apostles speaking in various languages.

3. The Synagogue of the Freedmen: In Acts 6:9 , Cyre'nians are mentioned as part of the "Synagogue of the Freedmen," which also included Jews from Cyrene, Alexandria, Cilicia, and Asia. This synagogue was involved in the dispute with Stephen, the first Christian martyr. "But some from the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)—Jews from Cyrene and Alexandria, as well as from Cilicia and Asia—rose up and disputed with Stephen."

4. Early Church: Cyre'nians played a role in the spread of Christianity beyond Jerusalem. In Acts 11:20 , it is recorded that men from Cyprus and Cyrene went to Antioch and began speaking to the Greeks, proclaiming the good news about the Lord Jesus. "But some of them, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began speaking to the Greeks as well, proclaiming the good news about the Lord Jesus." This indicates that Cyre'nians were instrumental in the early missionary efforts to reach Gentiles.

Historical and Cultural Context:

Cyrene was a city of considerable wealth and influence, known for its intellectual and cultural contributions, including the famous Cyrenaic school of philosophy. The Jewish community in Cyrene was well-established, and many Jews from Cyrene would travel to Jerusalem for religious festivals, as evidenced by their presence at Pentecost.

The Cyre'nians' involvement in the early Christian church reflects the broader movement of the Gospel from a predominantly Jewish context to a more inclusive, multi-ethnic community. Their participation in the events of the New Testament underscores the diverse and far-reaching impact of the early Christian message.

Significance:

The Cyre'nians' presence in key New Testament events highlights the interconnectedness of the ancient world and the spread of Christianity across cultural and geographical boundaries. Their role in the early church exemplifies the fulfillment of the Great Commission, as the message of Jesus Christ transcended ethnic and cultural divisions, reaching people from various backgrounds and regions.Cyre'nians (1 Occurrence)

Acts 6:9
and there arose certain of those of the synagogue, called of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia, and Asia, disputing with Stephen,
(See RSV)

Cyre'nians (1 Occurrence)
Cyre'nians. Cyrenians, Cyre'nians. Cyrenius . Multi-Version Concordance
Cyre'nians (1 Occurrence). Acts 6:9 and there arose certain ...
/c/cyre'nians.htm - 6k

Cyrenians (2 Occurrences)

/c/cyrenians.htm - 7k

Cyrenius (1 Occurrence)

/c/cyrenius.htm - 7k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus