Cyrene
   a city (now Tripoli) in Upper Libya, North Africa, founded by a
   colony of Greeks (B.C. 630). It contained latterly a large
   number of Jews, who were introduced into the city by Ptolemy,
   the son of Lagus, because he thought they would contribute to
   the security of the place. They increased in number and
   influence; and we are thus prepared for the frequent references
   to them in connection with the early history of Christianity.
   Simon, who bore our Lord's cross, was a native of this place
   (Matt. 27:32; Mark 15:21). Jews from Cyrene were in Jerusalem at
   Pentecost (Acts 2:10); and Cyrenian Jews had a synagogue at
   Jerusalem (6:9). Converts belonging to Cyrene contributed to the
   formation of the first Gentile church at Antioch (11:20). Among
   "the prophets and teachers" who "ministered to the Lord at
   Antioch" was Lucius of Cyrene (13:1).

	

	Cyrene, a wall; coldness; the floor