📖 Biblical Definition
Mnason was an early disciple from Cyprus with whom Paul lodged on his final journey to Jerusalem (Acts 21:16). The Greek phrase "an old disciple" (archaiō mathētē) does not mean elderly in years but "a disciple from the beginning" — likely a convert from Pentecost or the early Cyrenian-Cypriot mission. He was a member of the Caesarean church community and opened his home to Paul and his company as they made their way to Jerusalem with the Gentile collection. Mnason is a small but luminous Scripture cameo: the early-days disciple who never made it into the apostle lists, never wrote a letter, but whose hospitality served the apostle of the Gentiles on the road to his arrest. The kingdom is built on such men.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
MNASON — a Greek proper name preserved as the type of the “early disciple,” an aged believer whose home shelters younger ministers.
expand to see more
Webster 1828 does not list Mnason. The Acts narrative gives him one verse, but that verse is enough: he opened his Jerusalem house to a road-weary apostle and his Gentile companions at a moment when many would have closed their doors. Long memory of Christ produces wide hospitality.
📖 Key Scripture
Acts 21:16 — "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 21:17 — "And when we had come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly."
Acts 4:36 — "And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles — a Levite of the country of Cyprus."
Acts 11:19 — "Now those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Modern hospitality is reduced to brunch; Mnason offered shelter to a hunted apostle.
expand to see more
An early disciple did not retire when his hair turned grey. Mnason kept his door open in a city where opening it to Paul could mean trouble with the temple authorities. The modern Christian retirement plan often ends in private comfort; Mnason ended his in public risk.
The corruption is hospitality emptied of cost. Mnason housed a man who would be in chains within days. The early disciple knew that a guest room is a battlefield, and the long memory of Jesus is the courage to keep the door unlatched.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
From Greek Mnasōn (G3416), root mna- (to remember); “mindful one.”
expand to see more
G3416 — Mnasōn — Mnason; an early disciple of Cyprus
G744 — archaios — old, ancient, original — “early” disciple
G2954 — Kyprios — Cyprian — of the island of Cyprus
Usage
"A certain Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple (Acts 21:16)."
"With whom we were to lodge."
"Be a Mnason — an old saint with an open door."