Mat 27:32-35 | Family | STEP | Cyrene ; a city in the northern part of Africa. Bear his cross ; at first the cross had been laid on Jesus, according to the custom of compelling malefactors to carry their own cross to the place of execution.

Matthew 27:32-35

Cyrene; a city in the northern part of Africa.

Bear his cross; at first the cross had been laid on Jesus, according to the custom of compelling malefactors to carry their own cross to the place of execution. A place called Golgotha; without the city. Heb 13:12. Golgotha means a skull; but why the place bore this name is not agreed. Vinegar--mingled with gall; Mark names "wine mingled with myrrh," an intensely bitter substance. Though it may have been intended as a stupefying draught, it still belonged to the process of a bloody, ignominious, and agonizing death. Thus was fulfilled the prophecy in Ps 69:21. In persecuting the Saviour, accusing and condemning him; in giving him vinegar and gall to drink, parting his garments among them and casting lots on his vesture, and never ceasing to afflict him till he gave up the ghost, all concerned were free and accountable; and though doing it with wicked hands and wicked hearts, they were fulfilling the predictions of God, and thus proving that Jesus was the Messiah. Casting lots; to determine which soldier should have the garment. Ps 22:18.