Acts 21:16

KJV

There went with us also [certain] of the disciples of Caesarea, and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple, with whom we should lodge.

KJV (with Strong's)

{G1161} There went {G4905} with {G4862} us {G2254} also {G2532} certain of the disciples {G3101} of {G575} Caesarea {G2542}, and brought {G71} with them {G3844} one {G5100} Mnason {G3416} of Cyprus {G2953}, an old {G744} disciple {G3101}, with whom {G3739} we should lodge {G3579}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and with us went some of the talmidim from Caesarea. They brought us to the home of the man with whom we were to stay, Mnason from Cyprus, who had been a talmid since the early days.

Berean Standard Bible

Some of the disciples from Caesarea accompanied us, and they took us to stay at the home of Mnason the Cypriot, an early disciple.

American Standard Version

And there went with us also certain of the disciples from Cæsarea, bringing with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we should lodge.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 21:16 provides a specific logistical detail within the narrative of Paul's final journey to Jerusalem, illustrating the practical outworking of Christian fellowship and hospitality. As Paul and his companions depart from Caesarea, they are joined by local disciples who facilitate lodging with Mnason of Cyprus, identified as an "old disciple," highlighting the importance of mature believers and communal support in the early church's ministry and travel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the concluding chapters of Acts, which chronicle Paul's determined journey to Jerusalem despite numerous prophetic warnings of suffering and imprisonment (e.g., [Acts 20:22-23](/acts/20-22-23 "Acts 20:22-23 - Paul's Resolve to Go to Jerusalem") and [Acts 21:10-14](/acts/21-10-14 "Acts 21:10-14 - Agabus's Prophecy")). Having spent time in Caesarea with Philip the evangelist ([Acts 21:8](/acts/21-8 "Acts 21:8 - Paul at Philip's House")), Paul is now making the final leg of his journey. The mention of specific individuals and logistical arrangements, like the lodging with Mnason, grounds the narrative in historical reality, emphasizing the communal nature of Paul's mission and the practical support systems within the nascent church. It shows that even in the face of danger, the church functioned as a supportive family.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Travel in the ancient world, especially for missionaries like Paul, relied heavily on hospitality. There were no established inns as we know them; travelers depended on the generosity of hosts, often fellow believers. This practice was deeply embedded in ancient Near Eastern and Greco-Roman cultures, but it took on particular significance within the early Christian community as a demonstration of love, solidarity, and practical support for those spreading the Gospel. Cyprus, Mnason's origin, was an early center of Christian activity, notably visited by Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey ([Acts 13:4-12](/acts/13-4-12 "Acts 13:4-12 - Paul and Barnabas in Cyprus")). The designation "old disciple" (ἀρχαῖος μαθητής) suggests someone who had been a believer for a significant period, possibly since the very early days of the church, perhaps even a convert from Pentecost or soon thereafter, making his home a respected and reliable haven.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 21:16 contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Acts. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Christian Fellowship and Mutual Support**, demonstrating how believers from different regions collaborated to aid Paul in his mission, even amidst foreboding circumstances. This communal spirit is a hallmark of the early church, where believers shared resources and burdens ([Acts 2:44-45](/acts/2-44-45 "Acts 2:44-45 - The Fellowship of Believers")). Secondly, the verse highlights the vital role of **Hospitality** as a practical expression of love and a necessary component of missionary work, echoing broader biblical commands to welcome strangers ([Hebrews 13:2](/hebrews/13-2 "Hebrews 13:2 - Be Hospitable")). Thirdly, the introduction of Mnason as an "old disciple" subtly emphasizes the **Value of Mature Believers** within the community, whose steadfast faith and experience provided stability and resources for the younger or traveling members of the church. This respect for spiritual seniority is evident throughout the New Testament, as seen in the qualifications for elders ([Titus 1:5-9](/titus/1-5-9 "Titus 1:5-9 - Qualifications for Elders")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **disciple (Greek, _mathētḗs'_):** From the verb "to learn," this term signifies a learner or pupil. In the New Testament, it refers to followers of Jesus Christ, emphasizing their commitment to His teachings and their ongoing process of spiritual growth. Here, it applies both to the "certain of the disciples of Caesarea" and specifically to Mnason, identifying them as members of the Christian community.
* **old (Greek, _archaîos'_):** This adjective means "original" or "primeval." When coupled with "disciple," as it is for Mnason, it doesn't merely denote advanced age but strongly implies someone who has been a believer from the very beginning of the Christian movement, or at least for a very long time. This suggests a deep spiritual maturity and a long-standing commitment to Christ, making him a respected figure within the early church.
* **lodge (Greek, _xenízō'_):** Derived from the word for "stranger" or "guest," this verb means "to be a host" or, passively, "to be a guest." In this context, it clearly indicates that Mnason was to provide accommodation for Paul and his company, underscoring the crucial practice of hospitality in supporting traveling ministers and fostering Christian community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"There went with us also certain of the disciples of Caesarea":** This clause reveals that Paul and his immediate traveling companions were joined by local believers from Caesarea. This demonstrates the active involvement and solidarity of the Caesarean church with Paul, providing not just moral support but practical assistance by accompanying them on the journey.
* **"and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus":** The Caesarean disciples played a crucial role in facilitating the connection with Mnason. They "brought" him along, suggesting they either arranged for him to travel with them from Caesarea, or they led Paul's group directly to his home upon arrival in Jerusalem or a nearby village. Mnason's origin from Cyprus connects him to a significant early Christian center.
* **"an old disciple":** This is the key descriptor for Mnason. It highlights his long tenure in the faith, implying spiritual wisdom, experience, and perhaps even direct connection to the earliest days of the church. This status likely made his home a trusted and suitable place for the apostle and his company to stay.
* **"with whom we should lodge":** This final phrase explicitly states the purpose of Mnason's inclusion in the narrative: to provide lodging. It underscores the practical necessity of hospitality for itinerating missionaries and the communal provision within the early church for its members.

#### Literary Devices
Luke, as the author of Acts, masterfully employs **Narrative Detail** throughout his work, and Acts 21:16 is a prime example. While seemingly a minor logistical note, it serves to ground the grand narrative of Paul's mission in the tangible realities of travel, community, and personal relationships. This meticulous detail enhances the historical verisimilitude of the account. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Character Introduction** to present Mnason, whose brief appearance is nonetheless significant due to his defining epithet, "an old disciple." This descriptive phrase functions as a form of **Epithet** or **Appellation**, immediately conveying Mnason's spiritual maturity and long-standing faith, which implicitly explains why his home was chosen as a place of lodging. The very act of providing lodging, though a simple action, carries **Symbolism** of Christian fellowship, mutual support, and the practical outworking of love within the body of Christ, especially as Paul heads into a perilous situation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 21:16, though brief, offers profound theological insights into the nature of the early church. It vividly portrays the interconnectedness and mutual support that characterized the nascent Christian community. In a world without modern amenities for travelers, hospitality was not merely a social custom but a vital expression of Christian love and a practical necessity for the spread of the Gospel. The willingness of the Caesarean disciples to accompany Paul and to arrange lodging with Mnason exemplifies the self-sacrificial spirit and communal solidarity that bound believers together. Mnason's designation as an "old disciple" further highlights the value placed on spiritual maturity and the wisdom that comes from a long walk with Christ, suggesting that seasoned believers were foundational pillars providing stability and resources for the church's mission.

* [Romans 12:13](/romans/12-13 "Romans 12:13 - Practicing Hospitality")
* [3 John 1:8](/3_john/1-8 "3 John 1:8 - Supporting Fellow Workers")
* [Titus 2:2-3](/titus/2-2-3 "Titus 2:2-3 - Instructions for Older Men and Women")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 21:16, a seemingly minor detail in Paul's journey, offers rich lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that the Christian life is not meant to be lived in isolation but in vibrant community, marked by genuine care and practical support for one another. The willingness of the Caesarean disciples to accompany Paul, even into potential danger, and their proactive arrangement of lodging with Mnason, challenges us to consider how we can actively participate in supporting those who serve the Lord, especially those in demanding ministries. Furthermore, Mnason's example as an "old disciple" underscores the invaluable role of mature believers within the church. Their wisdom, steadfastness, and willingness to open their homes and lives provide stability, guidance, and a safe haven for others. This verse calls us to cultivate a spirit of hospitality, recognizing that opening our homes and resources to others is a tangible way to express Christ's love and strengthen the bonds of fellowship within the body of Christ. It encourages us to seek out and honor the wisdom of those who have walked with the Lord for many years, and to be willing to be a "Mnason" for others, providing practical support and a welcoming presence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can I actively demonstrate Christian fellowship and support for others in ministry, both locally and globally?**
* **In what ways can I practice biblical hospitality in my own life, opening my home and resources to those in need or those serving the Lord?**
* **Who are the "old disciples" in my life or church whose wisdom and experience I can learn from and honor?**
* **What does Mnason's example teach me about the enduring value of a long-standing, faithful walk with Christ?**

### FAQ
**Who was Mnason, and why is he mentioned in Acts 21:16?**

Answer: Mnason was a Christian from Cyprus who is described as an "old disciple." He is mentioned because he provided lodging for Paul and his companions during their final leg of the journey to Jerusalem. His designation as an "old disciple" suggests he was a long-time believer, possibly one of the earliest converts, making his home a trusted and suitable place for the apostle to stay. His inclusion highlights the vital role of hospitality and mutual support within the early Christian community.

**What is the significance of "an old disciple" in this verse?**

Answer: The Greek phrase for "old disciple" (ἀρχαῖος μαθητής, _archaîos mathētḗs_) implies more than just advanced age. It suggests that Mnason was a believer from the very early days of Christianity, perhaps even a contemporary of the apostles or a convert from the initial outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. This status would have given him significant spiritual maturity, wisdom, and respect within the church, making his home a natural and honorable place for Paul to lodge. It underscores the value placed on seasoned faith and long-standing commitment within the early church.

**Why was hospitality so important for early Christians like Paul?**

Answer: Hospitality was crucial for early Christians, especially for traveling missionaries like Paul, because there were no widespread commercial lodging options like modern hotels. Believers relied on the generosity of fellow Christians for food, shelter, and safe passage. This practice was not just a practical necessity but also a profound expression of Christian love, solidarity, and obedience to biblical commands to welcome strangers ([Hebrews 13:2](/hebrews/13-2 "Hebrews 13:2 - Be Hospitable")). It strengthened communal bonds and facilitated the spread of the Gospel by providing essential support for those carrying the message.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 21:16, with its focus on hospitality and communal support for Paul, beautifully reflects the Christ-centered nature of the early church. While the verse describes a practical logistical detail, it embodies the very spirit of Christ, who Himself was often dependent on the hospitality of others during His earthly ministry, finding rest in homes like that of Mary and Martha ([Luke 10:38-42](/luke/10-38-42 "Luke 10:38-42 - Martha and Mary")). Jesus taught His disciples to rely on such provision when sent out ([Luke 10:5-7](/luke/10-5-7 "Luke 10:5-7 - Instructions for the Seventy-Two")). More profoundly, the act of welcoming and providing for fellow believers, especially those serving the Gospel, is an act of service to Christ Himself, as He taught in His parable of the sheep and the goats: "whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me" ([Matthew 25:40](/matthew/25-40 "Matthew 25:40 - Serving the Least of These")). Mnason, the "old disciple," embodies the mature faith that flows from a deep relationship with Christ, demonstrating the love and selflessness that Christ modeled and commanded His followers to exhibit ([John 13:34-35](/john/13-34-35 "John 13:34-35 - A New Commandment")). The communal support shown to Paul by the disciples of Caesarea and Mnason is a tangible expression of the church functioning as the body of Christ, each part supplying what is needed for the health and mission of the whole ([Ephesians 4:15-16](/ephesians/4-15-16 "Ephesians 4:15-16 - Growing in Christ")). Ultimately, all hospitality and provision within the Christian community point to Christ, the ultimate Host and Provider, who invites us into His eternal dwelling and provides for our every need ([John 14:2-3](/john/14-2-3 "John 14:2-3 - Jesus Prepares a Place")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 16:31

¶ The hoary head [is] a crown of glory, [if] it be found in the way of righteousness.

Psalms 92:14

They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing;

Acts 21:3

Now when we had discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her burden.

Acts 21:4

And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.

Acts 21:8

¶ And the next [day] we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was [one] of the seven; and abode with him.

Psalms 71:17

O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works.

Psalms 71:18

Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto [this] generation, [and] thy power to every one [that] is to come.