16 And the soldiers led him away into the hall, called Praetorium; and they call together the whole band.



17 And they clothed him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about his head,



18 And began to salute him, Hail, King of the Jews!



19 And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, and bowing their knees worshipped him.



20 And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple from him, and put his own clothes on him, and led him out to crucify him.



21 And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross.



Ver. 21. And they compel one Simon] áããáñåõïõóé , cogunt invitum. We all come off heavily, and shrink in the shoulder when called to carry the cross, as Peter did, Joh_21:18.



The father of Alexander and Rufus] Men famously known in the Church, and therefore here but named only. God will recompense even involuntary services.