Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Luke 23:26

"And when they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon of Cyrene, coming from the country, and laid on him the cross, to bear it after Jesus." — Luke 23:26 (ASV)

Jesus was required, like others condemned to crucifixion, to carry the crossbar. The wood was heavy, and Jesus was weakened by the maltreatment. The soldiers could press civilians such as Simon into service. Cyrene is a port in North Africa.