{They compel} (aggareuousin). Dramatic present indicative
again where  Mt 27:32  has the aorist. For this Persian word see
on 烘t 5:41; 27:32|. {Coming out of the country} (erchomenon ap'
agrou). Hence Simon met the procession. Mark adds that he was
"the father of Alexander and Rufus." Paul mentions a Rufus in  Ro
16:13 , but it was a common name and proves nothing. See on 烘t
27:32| for discussion of cross-bearing by criminals. Luke adds
"after Jesus" (opisthen tou I(8873)ou). But Jesus bore his own
cross till he was relieved of it, and he walked in front of his
own cross for the rest of the way.