341
Where was Simon when they compelled him to carry the cross?
Mark: “Coming out of the country” ([xv, 21]).
The correct reading of this is, “coming from the field,” i. e., “coming from his work.” This is improbable as they did not work on the Passover.
342
The Synoptics agree in stating that Simon was compelled to carry the cross. Is this probable?
It is not. In executions of this kind the criminal was always required to carry it himself as a mark of disgrace.