Acts 21:16
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.
Original Language Analysis
συνῆλθον
There went
G4905
συνῆλθον
There went
Strong's:
G4905
Word #:
1 of 18
to convene, depart in company with, associate with, or (specially), cohabit (conjugally)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀπὸ
of
G575
ἀπὸ
of
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
6 of 18
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
σὺν
with
G4862
σὺν
with
Strong's:
G4862
Word #:
8 of 18
with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi
ἄγοντες
and brought
G71
ἄγοντες
and brought
Strong's:
G71
Word #:
10 of 18
properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, (reflexively) go, (specially) pass (time), or (figuratively) induce
παρ'
with them
G3844
παρ'
with them
Strong's:
G3844
Word #:
11 of 18
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
ᾧ
with whom
G3739
ᾧ
with whom
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
12 of 18
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ξενισθῶμεν
we should lodge
G3579
ξενισθῶμεν
we should lodge
Strong's:
G3579
Word #:
13 of 18
to be a host (passively, a guest); by implication, be (make, appear) strange
Cross References
Proverbs 16:31The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.Acts 21:8And 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 92:14They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing;
Historical Context
Cyprus had strong early Christian connections through Barnabas and Paul's first missionary journey (Acts 13:4-12). An 'old disciple' from Cyprus living near Jerusalem suggests the diaspora Jewish community's significant role in early Christianity. Mnason's established household could accommodate Paul's large traveling party.
Questions for Reflection
- How does your church honor and utilize the wisdom of 'old disciples' who have walked with Christ for decades?
- What does the practice of arranging hospitality through Christian networks teach about interdependence in the body of Christ?
Analysis & Commentary
Certain of the disciples of Caesarea went with Paul, bringing him to Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple (ἀρχαῖος μαθητής, archaîos mathētḗs)—The description 'old disciple' suggests Mnason was among the earliest converts, possibly from Pentecost or shortly after. His Cypriot origin links to Barnabas (also from Cyprus, Acts 4:36), suggesting the interconnected network of first-generation believers. That Paul's companions arranged lodging with this veteran believer shows the early church's hospitality infrastructure and the honor given to long-faithful disciples.