Simon

Follow Simon of Cyrene, he who was compelled to carry Jesus's cross, on his political, social, and spiritual journey leading up to, during, and after his short walk with Christ on the road to Golgotha.

From Simon's hometown of Cyrene to his marketing hub in in the defensive port of Apollonia, across the Mediterranean Sea to the massive Roman naval base of Caesarea Maritima, and on to the melting pot of Jerusalem be part of Simon's journey to expand his trade across the Roman Empire, confront social unrest, and fall prey to a frenzied mob.

As a husband, father, and business leader what will become of Simon, his family, and entrepreneurial legacy when everything comes crashing down as he is pulled from the crowd in Jerusalem by Roman soldiers to carry a cross for a man named Jesus? Will he be able to piece together the pieces of his shattered life? How will he react to his personal walk with the Savior of the world?

Where this story of Simon came from.

I was intrigued by Simon of Cyrene, he who helped Jesus carry the cross, after watching a movie detailing the crucifixion of Jesus. Immediately I sought to learn more about Simon.

Information about Simon of Cyrene is scant. He is only mentioned three times in the Bible, all referencing the moment when he was compelled to carry the cross. There is nothing about him before carrying the cross and nothing after it. However, enough puzzle pieces are available that a story emerged in my mind. I could not sit still until it was written.

In the process of writing this novel I considered the atonement of Christ in a whole new light. It is my hope that through this fictional story of Simon you too may consider more deeply what Christ's infinite atonement means to you.