Acts 21 16

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.

Acts 21:16 nkjv

Also some of the disciples from Caesarea went with us and brought with them a certain Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we were to lodge.

Acts 21:16 niv

Some of the disciples from Caesarea accompanied us and brought us to the home of Mnason, where we were to stay. He was a man from Cyprus and one of the early disciples.

Acts 21:16 esv

And some of the disciples from Caesarea went with us, bringing us to the house of Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we should lodge.

Acts 21:16 nlt

Some believers from Caesarea accompanied us, and they took us to the home of Mnason, a man originally from Cyprus and one of the early believers.

Acts 21 verses

Acts 21 16 Meaning

Acts 21:16 describes the continuing journey of Paul and his companions towards Jerusalem. Upon leaving Caesarea, some local disciples joined them, facilitating their lodging upon arrival in Jerusalem. Specifically, they introduced the group to Mnason, a believer from Cyprus, uniquely identified as an "early disciple," implying a long-standing faith and perhaps a connection to the church's foundational period, thus securing trusted Christian hospitality.

Acts 21 16 Context

Acts 21:16 occurs during Paul's final, determined journey to Jerusalem. Chapter 21 opens with Paul and his companions having arrived in Caesarea, completing their voyage. There, the prophet Agabus, using a prophetic sign, warned Paul that he would be bound and delivered to the Gentiles in Jerusalem. Despite fervent pleas from his companions and local disciples not to go, Paul remained resolute, declaring his willingness to suffer and die for the Lord Jesus. The journey to Jerusalem, therefore, is fraught with foreboding, making the practical arrangements for their stay crucial. The specific mention of Mnason and his status as an "early disciple" emphasizes the established network of Christian fellowship that extended across geographical boundaries and provided vital support, especially when facing hardship in a new, and potentially hostile, city.

Acts 21 16 Word analysis

• And some of the disciples: "And" (καὶ - kai): Connects to the preceding narrative, indicating continuity of events and companions. "some" (τινες - tines): Indicates a subset of the local believers in Caesarea joined Paul's group. It shows an expanded entourage, demonstrating widespread support for Paul's mission. "of the disciples" (τῶν μαθητῶν - tōn mathētōn): Refers to followers of Jesus Christ. This term signifies individuals who have embraced the Christian faith and commitment to Christ's teachings, members of the growing Christian community. The concept of "disciple" implies a learner, an adherent, emphasizing the formative nature of early Christian experience. This highlights the solidarity and network of early believers.
• from Caesarea: "from Caesarea" (ἀπὸ Καισαρείας - apo Kaisareias): A geographical identifier. Caesarea was a major Roman port city and the administrative capital of the Roman province of Judea. It had a significant and established Christian community (Acts 10-11, Acts 21:8), serving as a crucial waypoint and hub for missionary travel. This detail pinpoints the origin of these accompanying believers, showing the church's regional presence.
• also came with us: "also" (καὶ - kai): Again, an intensifier, emphasizing their inclusion in the traveling party, beyond those who might be considered Paul's immediate group. "came with us" (συνῆλθον ἡμῖν - synēlthon hēmin): Signifies companionship and solidarity. These local disciples did not merely offer aid from a distance but actively journeyed with Paul, sharing in the perils and purpose of the trip to Jerusalem. This act of accompanying Paul, especially given the warnings about Jerusalem, demonstrates strong devotion and support.
• bringing with them: "bringing with them" (ἄγοντες - agontes): Active participation of the Caesarean disciples. They were not merely passive escorts but had a specific objective – to facilitate lodging for Paul's party. The verb indicates leading, bringing along, or guiding. This detail reveals a practical, intentional act of hospitality.
• a certain Mnason: "a certain" (τινα - tina): Identifies a specific individual, introducing him as an important figure. The inclusion of a personal name adds historical authenticity to the narrative. "Mnason" (Μνάσωνι - Mnasōni): A Greek name, suggesting he might be a Hellenistic Jew or a Gentile convert. The very act of naming him suggests his prominence or significance in the community and in this specific logistical arrangement.
• of Cyprus: "of Cyprus" (Κυπρίου - Kypriou): His place of origin. Cyprus was an island known for its early Christian activity, famously being the home of Barnabas (Acts 4:36) and a place Paul visited on his first missionary journey (Acts 13:4-5). This connection might indicate why he would be recognized as a reliable host, or perhaps had connections with the Caesarean church through the diaspora.
• an early disciple: "an early disciple" (ἀρχαίῳ μαθητῇ - archaiō mathētē): This is the most significant descriptive phrase. "early" (ἀρχαίῳ - archaiō): Denotes ancient, old, primitive, or original. This isn't just about his age, but about the duration and root of his faith. He was likely among the earliest converts to Christianity, perhaps a direct follower of Jesus, or one of the first thousands converted at Pentecost. This lends him significant authority and trustworthiness within the Christian community, bridging the early apostolic generation with the ongoing mission. It underscores continuity of faith. "disciple" (μαθητῇ - mathētē): Re-emphasizes his commitment to Christ. This qualification ensures Paul's group would be hosted by a genuinely respected, established, and faithful member of the Jerusalem Christian community. It speaks to the integrity and depth of his faith.
• with whom we should lodge: "with whom" (παρ᾽ ᾧ - par’ hō): Designates Mnason as the specific host. "we should lodge" (ξενισθῶμεν - xenisthōmen): The purpose of bringing Mnason to Paul's attention. The verb means to be received as a guest, to find lodging, or to be hosted. It underscores the practical importance of Christian hospitality in providing for traveling evangelists and maintaining fellowship.

• Words-group analysis: "And some of the disciples from Caesarea also came with us": This highlights the extensive network of Christian fellowship. Local believers actively participated in Paul's journey, showcasing unity and support across different cities. This solidarity was vital for an itinerant missionary. "bringing with them a certain Mnason of Cyprus": This reveals a proactive effort by the Caesarean disciples to ensure proper arrangements for Paul's stay in Jerusalem. It indicates their forethought and dedication to Paul's well-being and mission, identifying a suitable host. "an early disciple": This phrase is critical. Mnason's status as an "early disciple" means he was not merely a recent convert but a long-standing, established believer, potentially even one from the very earliest days of the church in Jerusalem. This qualification would offer immense comfort, trustworthiness, and likely spiritual grounding to Paul and his companions upon their arrival in the often-contentious environment of Jerusalem, signifying continuity and authentic faith. "with whom we should lodge": This directly states the logistical purpose behind introducing Mnason. In a time without hotels, finding a host within the Christian community was essential. This act of hospitality (Greek xenia) was a foundational practice in the early church, enabling missionary work and demonstrating brotherly love, embodying the Christian ideal of caring for fellow believers, especially those engaged in ministry.

Acts 21 16 Bonus section

The mention of Mnason being "of Cyprus" carries a subtle but significant connection. Barnabas, a key figure in Paul's early ministry and fellow laborer on the first missionary journey, was also a Levite from Cyprus (Acts 4:36, Acts 13:4). This suggests a possible pre-existing connection between Mnason and Barnabas or Paul himself, or simply highlights Cyprus as a fertile ground for early Christian converts, including prominent ones. Hosting Paul was a dangerous act in Jerusalem at this time due to increasing Jewish opposition, yet Mnason's "early disciple" status implied a deep-rooted conviction and unwavering loyalty to Christ, making him a fitting host for Paul who was heading towards imprisonment for the sake of Christ. Mnason's role, though brief in the narrative, symbolizes the countless unsung believers whose practical service and unwavering hospitality formed the backbone of the early church's outreach and sustainability.

Acts 21 16 Commentary

Acts 21:16 is a seemingly simple verse that unveils significant aspects of early Christian life: the robust network of believers, the critical role of hospitality, and the reverence for long-standing faith. As Paul journeyed towards Jerusalem despite warnings, the Caesarean disciples not only offered moral support but also provided practical arrangements for their lodging, an essential need for traveling missionaries. Mnason, being an "early disciple," offered a trusted and reliable anchor for Paul's group in Jerusalem. This designation indicated his profound connection to the origins of the faith, possibly implying he witnessed the earliest events of the church. Lodging with such an individual ensured that Paul and his companions would be among steadfast believers who likely adhered closely to the foundational teachings, fostering fellowship and providing a spiritual haven in a potentially hostile city. It underscores how the unity and mutual support among Christians enabled the spread and sustenance of the Gospel, despite challenging circumstances.